China Response Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire In Gaza, Asks Israel To Obey International Law

The Archives - Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin when delivering information to the media in Beijing, China, Wednesday (11/10/2023). ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia/am.

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks rejecting the UN General Assembly's resolution to carry out an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

"All countries have the right to self-defense, but these rights must be exercised on the basis of adherence to international law, particularly international humanitarian law and the protection of the safety of civilians," Wang Wenbin said when delivering information to the media in Beijing, China.

The UN General Assembly on Friday (27/10) in its 10th Emergency Special Session, called for a humanitarian ceasefire between Palestine and Israel and demanded access to aid to the surrounded Gaza Strip and the protection of civilians.

The resolution designed by Arab countries was approved with 120 votes - including China - while 45 votes abstained and 14 countries, including Israel and the United States (US) did not agree.

However, PM Benjamin Netanyahu told a news conference that the ceasefire was a sign of surrendering to Hamas so Israel would not do it.

Netanyahu even said other countries should provide more assistance to free more than 230 hostages kidnapped by Hamas in the attack on October 7.

"All life is very valuable. The lives of Palestinians need to be protected just like the lives of people in other countries. The urgent priority right now is to fully implement the resolution of the UN General Assembly, stop fighting, prevent worsening situations and prevent even worse humanitarian disasters," added Wang Wenbin.

Wang Wenbin said the use of force would never bring lasting peace because violence would only lead to a vicious circle of revenge.

"Only by seeking mutual security will there be sustainable security. Only by complying with international law, international justice and international justice can be upheld. Only through political resolution can the security problems of all parties be overcome fundamentally," said Wang Wenbin.

The fundamental solution to the Palestinian issue, according to Wang Wenbin, lies in the implementation of the solutions of the two countries and Palestine and Israel coexisting peacefully.

"China will continue to make relentless efforts to achieve a comprehensive, fair and long-term Palestinian problem solving," said Wang Wenbin.

Netanyahu in a statement also said Israel would fight until this battle was won. He also claimed Israeli forces were trying hard to "prevent civilian casualties" in Gaza.

However, based on Palestinian Health Ministry data, Palestinians killed as a result of Israeli attacks on Gaza have reached 8,306, including 3,457 children and 2,136 women, while 21 thousand others have been injured, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

On the other hand, more than 1,500 Israelis were killed in this conflict.

Israeli military spokesman DanielXhi last weekend announced Israeli troops were expanding their operations and began entering the next stage of the war against Hamas which includes ground operations.

As many as 2.3 million Gazans are currently grappling with scarcity of food, water, fuel, and medicines running low due to the Israeli blockade in the Palestinian pockets.