Remarks on the Lebanese-Israeli Situation by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President, 

I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, and Ms. Lynn Harfoush for the briefings.  

The current escalation of fighting in the Middle East is spreading, and the situation between Lebanon and Israel has also sharply intensified. The continuation of hostility serves the interests of no party. The international community should pool its efforts to promote peace and deescalate the tensions as soon as possible, so as to restore peace and stability in the region. 

First, an immediate ceasefire must be promoted to end the fighting. Recently, Hezbollah and Israel have continued to exchange fire. Israel has launched intense attacks on towns in southern Lebanon and on Beirut, expanding its military control over southern Lebanon. These attacks have already resulted in the deaths of more than 570 people, including a large number of women and children. We have noted Iran's letter to the Security Council stating that four Iranian diplomats were killed in the attack. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line in international law. China condemns any attacks against civilians and diplomatic personnel. We call on all parties to seize hostilities, promote deescalation, and fulfill their obligations under international law, in particular, international humanitarian law. Israel should immediately withdraw its troops from Lebanon. We welcome the positive statement by the Lebanese Government expressing its commitment to ending the conflict, and support safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. 

Second, Lebanon should be supported in stabilizing its domestic situation. The heavy shelling has dealt a severe blow to Lebanon's security and stability. More than 700,000 people have been displaced and the already difficult humanitarian situation has further deteriorated. The international community should increase assistance to Lebanon and support the Lebanese Government in stabilizing the domestic situation and ensuring the basic livelihood of the people. We have taken note of the decision by the Lebanese parliament to extend its term. We welcome the efforts of the Lebanese Government to strengthen governance over the country, and hope that all parties in Lebanon will actively engage in political dialogue and properly resolve their differences. 

Third, the safety of UNIFIL personnel must be effectively ensured. On March 6, an attack against UNIFIL injured three peacekeepers. China strongly condemns the attack and expresses its sympathies to the injured. Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and must be firmly opposed and held accountable. The current tensions, once again, highlights the important role of UNIFIL. China urges all parties to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel, so that the Mission can effectively carry out its mandate. 

China stands ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to calm the situation between Lebanon and Israel and to restore peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East region. 

Thank you, President.