Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said in a speech at the open meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the Palestinian issue in the Middle East on the 23rd that China expects Palestine and Israel to maintain the positive momentum of recent high-level contacts and restart equal dialogue at an early date in order to realize the "two state solution". Zhang Jun said that China expects Palestine and Israel to maintain the positive momentum of recent high-level contacts, gradually accumulate mutual trust and restart equal dialogue as soon as possible to realize the "two state plan". It is hoped that all Palestinian factions will strengthen unity and achieve internal reconciliation through dialogue and consultation. China supports the broader and more effective efforts of the United Nations, the Arab League and the organization of Islamic cooperation to promote peace, and expects the Security Council to show greater responsibility and action. Zhang Jun said that in the new year, the international community generally expects a new atmosphere for peace in the Middle East. However, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains tense and the situation of the Palestinian people continues to deteriorate. China is deeply concerned about the escalating Israeli settlement activities and urges Israel to stop expelling the Palestinian people, demolishing their houses, expanding settlements and creating conditions for the development of Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Zhang Jun said that since the beginning of this year, Israeli military and police operations have resulted in many Palestinian casualties and seriously intensified the contradiction between Palestine and Israel. Settler violence has intensified and continues to cause personal injury and property damage to the Palestinian people. China urges Israel, as the occupying power, to fulfill its obligations under international law, ensure the safety and legitimate rights of the people in the occupied territories, and thoroughly investigate relevant violence and human rights violations. China calls on all parties concerned to stop inciting violence, avoid provocative words and deeds, prevent the situation in Jerusalem from getting out of control and effectively consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza. Zhang Jun said that the international community should provide assistance to Palestine through various channels to help Pakistan alleviate the financial crisis, safeguard public services, fight against COVID-19 and speed up the reconstruction of Gaza. China supports the necessary coordination between Palestine and Israel in the economic and civil fields, and reiterates its call for the lifting of the blockade and siege on Gaza as soon as possible. (Xinhua News Agency)