UNITED NATIONS — In a stark warning to the international community, Geng Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the urgency of preventing a humanitarian crisis in the West Bank similar to that in Gaza.

According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the Middle East and the Palestinian question, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has shown no signs of de-escalation despite international calls for a ceasefire. “Rather, what we do see is the continued escalation of the situation in the West Bank in addition to what is going on in Gaza,” he remarked, noting the protracted 11-month duration of the Gaza conflict.

Geng called for immediate action from all parties, particularly urging Israel to demonstrate restraint and fulfill its duties as the occupying power. He advocated for a halt to settler activities and attacks in the West Bank, and stressed the importance of respecting and maintaining the historical status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

“This war has been raging for too long. Ceasefire negotiations have been delayed for too long. And the suffering of the population has persisted for too long,” Geng stated, adding, “It’s time to put an end to all these.” He further supported the Security Council’s role in implementing relevant resolutions swiftly to extinguish the flames of war and address the severe humanitarian conditions.