Russia, U.S. and China call for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire

UN Security Council's open debate on the tensions between Israel and Palestine amid the former's attacks in Gaza ended with no concrete outcome on Sunday.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin took the floor, highlighting the necessity of immediately ending the confrontation. "A top priority task now is to cease fire and stop hostilities. We call on the parties to respect the norms of international humanitarian law, to avoid damages to civilian population and infrastructure used by journalists and mass media," he said at an extraordinary online meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

"We strongly condemn the use of violence against civilians both in Israel and in Palestine. "Armed confrontation, which has already led to the deaths and wounds of dozens of people, including women and children, must be immediately stopped," he stressed," Vershinin said.

In her speech, U.S. Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the call for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, and to respect international humanitarian law. "The United States has made clear that we are prepared to lend our support and good offices should the parties seek a ceasefire, because we believe Israelis and Palestinians equally have a right to live in safety and security," she said.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the U.S. to "adjust" its position on Israel-Palestine tensions. "China strongly condemns violent acts against civilians, and once again urges the two sides to immediately stop military and hostile actions," said the Chinese top diplomat. "Only when the Palestinian question is resolved comprehensively, fairly and permanently, can the Middle East truly achieve lasting peace and universal security," he added.

During his address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Palestine to end the "senseless cycle of bloodshed, terror, and destruction" and return to negotiations for a two-state solution to the conflict.

"The only way forward is to return to negotiations with the goal of a two-state solution, with two states living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, based on relevant UN resolutions, international law and prior agreements," said Guterres.