Gaza: China explains opposition to UN Security Council resolution

​China has offered a reason for opposing the United Nations Security Council’s resolution mandating a transitional administration and an International Stabilization Force in Gaza.

Russia and China did n​ot take part in the decision, which passed in a 13-0 vote on Monday. The resolution was drafted by the United States as part of President Donald Trump​’s 20-point peace plan.

On Tuesday, the Chinese government justified its abstention, ​saying the plan fails to reflect important principles, “including the Palestinians governing Palestine and the two-State solution.”

“The U.S.-drafted resolution is vague about key issues concerning post-conflict arrangement in Gaza,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing.

The official further explained that China did not vote at the UN council, due to “the gap between the draft resolution and China’s long-standing position.”

Beijing reiterated its determination to aid “the just cause” of Palestinians in restoring their legitimate rights, as well as the “full and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.”

China, however, expressed support for the UN as it takes necessary moves to realize a lasting ceasefire, ease the humanitarian disaster, and start post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza.

The draft says “conditions may be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” if the Palestinian Authority conducts reforms, and advances are made in Gaza’s redevelopment.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists Israel remains vehemently opposed to a Palestinian state and vowed to demilitarize Gaza “the easy way or the hard way.”

Also declaring dissent, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the elimination of Palestinian Authority officials if the UN endorses Palestinian statehood.