China’s UN envoy hits out at US for veto of Gaza truce resolution

FOLLOWING the United States veto on a Security Council draft resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, a Chinese envoy said on Tuesday that objection to a cease-fire is nothing different from giving the green light to the continued slaughter.

The draft resolution won 13 votes in favor among the 15 members of the Security Council. Britain abstained.

China expresses its strong disappointment at and dissatisfaction with the US veto, said Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

Algeria, on behalf of the Arab states, put forward the draft resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, guaranteed access to humanitarian supplies, and the rejection of forced displacement. Such a resolution, based on the minimum requirements of humanity, is urgently required by the situation on the ground and deserves the support of all Security Council members, he said.

Algeria held lengthy and extensive consultations with all parties on the draft resolution and took on board many constructive ideas, making it more balanced, he said. “The outcome of today’s vote clearly shows that on the issue of a ceasefire to halt the fighting in Gaza, it is not that the Security Council does not have an overwhelming consensus, but rather it is the exercise of veto by the United States that stifles the council consensus.”

The US veto sends a wrong message, pushing the situation in Gaza into a more dangerous one, Zhang insisted.

The US claim that a resolution would interfere with ongoing diplomatic efforts is totally untenable. Given the situation on the ground, the continued passive avoidance of an immediate cease-fire is nothing different from giving the green light to the continued slaughter, he said.

While the draft resolution has been vetoed, the spillover of the conflict is destabilizing the entire Middle East region, leading to rising risks of a wider war.

Only by extinguishing the flames of war in Gaza can the world prevent the fires of hell from engulfing the entire region. The Security Council must act quickly to stop this carnage, Zhang pointed out.

The Security Council must take action to push for a cease-fire. And this should not be a matter of debate, he added.

(Xinhua)