China urges intl. community to stick to two-state solution to Palestine issue

China has thrown its weight behind the Palestinian people's just cause to restore their legitimate rights, calling on the international community to adhere to the so-called two-state solution to the decades-long conflict in the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remarks in a message sent to a UN meeting on Tuesday, marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Xi described the issue of Palestine as a root problem in the Middle East.

He also asked the international community to adhere to the right direction of the so-called two-state solution and make efforts towards regional peace based on relevant UN resolutions and the "land for peace" principle.

China attaches great importance to the Palestine issue, Xi said, adding that his country supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate rights as well as efforts aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He further noted that under current circumstances, the international community should pay more attention to the grave challenges brought by the coronavirus outbreak to Palestine and help the nation fight against the pandemic.

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Beijing has provided multiple batches of anti-COVID-19 aid to Palestine through multilateral and bilateral channels and will continue to offer as much assistance as its capacity allows, the Chinese president emphasized.

He also voiced China’s readiness to continue its work with the international community to help settle the Palestine issue through a comprehensive, fair and permanent solution, and make positive contributions to an early realization of peace, stability and development in the Middle East.

UN chief renews commitment to Palestinian people

On Sunday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a similar message commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. 

He stressed his commitment “to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.”

“Meanwhile, prospects for a viable two-state solution are growing more distant. A host of factors continue to cause great misery, including: the expansion of illegal settlements, a significant spike in the demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, violence and continued militant activity,” he said.

“Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility to explore every opening to restore hope and achieve a two-state solution," he added.

Additionally, Guterres expressed hope that recent developments will encourage both sides to re-engage in “meaningful negotiations.”

He also warned that the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the Palestinian economy and undermined the already fragile humanitarian, economic and political situation in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip.

“We must also do all we can to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he added.

Moreover, the UN chief voiced concerns about the financial situation facing the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides direct and often life-saving assistance to many of the 5.7 million Palestinian refugees.

“I appeal to all Member States to urgently contribute to enable UNRWA to meet the critical humanitarian and development needs of Palestine refugees during the pandemic,” he said.

“Let us together resolve to renew our commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, dignity, justice and security,” Guterres added.

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