China voiced deep disappointment after the US on Thursday again singlehandedly blocked a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and that Israel lift all restrictions on aid deliveries to the Palestinian enclave.
The resolution, drafted by the elected 10 members of the 15-member council, would also have demanded the immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, according to Reuters.
U.S. Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus (L, front) votes against a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 18, 2025. The United States on Thursday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded Israel immediately lift all restrictions on humanitarian access and delivery in Gaza. (Xinhua/Xie E)
At the 10,000th meeting of the Security Council, the draft resolution received 14 votes in favor and one veto by the US, marking the sixth time the US had cast a veto in the Security Council over the nearly two-year war, Reuters reported on Friday.
The Gaza conflict has dragged on for nearly two years, creating an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, China’s permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong said in his explanatory remarks after the vote, “the Security Council had tried repeatedly to act, only to be forcefully blocked each time by the US.”
“How many more innocent lives must be lost before a ceasefire is realized? How many more tragedies must occur before humanitarian aid can flow unimpeded? And how much longer must the world wait before the Security Council fulfills its responsibilities?” asked Fu.
The Chinese envoy continued, “Prolonging the conflict will only lead to more deaths and deepen hatred. Israel must immediately halt its military operations in Gaza and refrain from any actions that further escalate tensions.”
Under the extreme blockade, famine has already taken hold in Gaza and disease is spreading rapidly. Militarizing the aid distribution mechanism by the US and Israel has obstructed humanitarian agencies, including the UN, from carrying out relief work. Instead of improving conditions, this has resulted in the deaths of many civilians searching for food and supplies, Fu added.
The Chinese envoy called on the US, as a permanent member of the Security Council, to face up to its responsibilities, support the Security Council in fulfilling its mandate, and safeguard the role and authority of the United Nations – rather than undermine it.
Fu emphasized that international efforts to uphold fairness and justice would not stop. Noting that the 80th UN General Assembly will convene its general debate and a high-level meeting on the implementation of the two-state solution next week, Fu said that China hopes relevant countries will heed the strong call of the international community and make the right choices responsible to both human lives and to history.
China, he added, will continue to work with the international community to help end the fighting in Gaza, ease the humanitarian crisis, advance the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.
Israeli tanks advanced along two gateways to the center of Gaza City on Thursday, while internet and phone lines were cut off for several hours, signaling a potential escalation in ground operations in Gaza, Reuters reported.
Israeli forces control Gaza City’s eastern suburbs and in recent days have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas, from where they would be positioned to advance on central and western areas where most of the population is sheltering, according to the report.