China Condemns Israel’s Attacks on Humanitarian Agencies in Gaza Strip and West Bank

China strongly condemns Israel's horrific attacks on humanitarian agencies and workers in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. At the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang renewed the call on Monday for Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by putting lives and humanity first. The UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly to provide relief for Palestinian refugees and is a pillar of strength for humanitarian operations in Gaza, Geng stressed. Even at the most perilous times, UNRWA has not abandoned Gaza, and to date, 224 of its staff have perished in the line of duty, said the ambassador. "We pay highest tribute to all the humanitarian workers who are still hanging in there, and our condolences over the demise of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," he said, calling on Israel to investigate in earnest all attacks on humanitarian workers and hold the perpetrators accountable. "China renews its call to Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by putting lives and humanity first, immediately lift the blockade, open all crossings, scrap restrictions on humanitarian deliveries, cease and desist from attacking UN and other humanitarian agencies, and provide safe and unimpeded access to the operations of those agencies," the ambassador said. (QNA) Source: Qatar News Agency