mk UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: VCG " src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2024/2024-03-05/f22724a2-f51d-428b-bb00-0e7527674a74.jpeg" />

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: VCG

A senior Chinese envoy voiced firm support for the Palestinian people's just course in restoring their legitimate national rights at a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting on Thursday, calling on the international community to make efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

Chen Xu, China's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, attended and delivered a speech on Thursday during a dialogue on the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, held as part of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

Chen expressed deep concern over the human rights situation and the grave humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip. He welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the parties involved.

The top priority is to ensure the sustained and effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement and to constructively advance subsequent negotiations, he said. The occupying power must fulfill its obligations under international law, respect and protect the human rights of the Palestinian people, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.

Chen pointed out that the two-state solution is the only way to resolve the Palestinian issue. Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory. China firmly supports the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and believes that "Palestinians governing Palestine" should be the guiding principle for post-war governance in Gaza. China opposes any forced displacement of the people of Gaza.

China calls on all parties to heed the aspirations and demands of Arab countries, especially the Palestinians, and to make efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories and promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue, Chen said.

Global Times