China is calling on the United Nations to do more to end conflict in the occupied territories, while also slamming the U.S. for not playing a constructive role.
China Foreign Ministry representative Zhao Lijian said Tuesday "one country" was preventing the United Nations from speaking with one voice. Zhao called on Israel and the Palestinian authorities to cease hostilities and for international organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
"We call on the U.S. to assume its due responsibility and take an impartial position to support the council and play its due role in cooling down the situation and rebuilding trust for a political solution," Zhao said.
Earlier in the week, China's foreign ministry called on the U.S. to join the United Nations council members in signing a statement calling on the ending of the decades-old Israel-Territories conflict. China Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the situation in Gaza is "dangerous and urgent," and the council must find a way to broker an immediate cease fire.
"The international community must take action right now and make further efforts to avert a deterioration of the situation, prevent the region from backsliding to turbulence, and protect peoples' lives," Wang said.
The U.S. previously blocked efforts by council member countries such as Norway and Tunisia from issuing a joint statement calling for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted Monday that the country was not joining any calls for an immediate cease-fire even as the violence enters its second week.
"Any diplomatic initiative that advances that prospect is something that we'll support. And we are again willing and ready to do that. But ultimately it is up to the parties to make clear that they want to pursue a cease-fire," Blinken said.
As the conflict enters its second week, hundreds of people have been confirmed dead. Palestinian officials said at least 200 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes - including 59 children and 35 women. Israel said at least eight people have been killed by Hamas rocket attacks - including a 5-year-old boy.
