President,

I thank you for convening today's meeting, and I thank Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini for the briefing.

Like other countries, China reiterates its firm support for UNRWA and expresses its serious concerns over and condemnation of Israel's systematic steps to suppress UNRWA, including the Knesset's adoption of the bills against the Agency. Relevant bills must be halted in their implementation and revoked as soon as possible. I wish to make the following points.

First, UNRWA was established in accordance with the mandate of the GA resolution. It is entitled to privileges and immunities. Its dignity, safety, and facilitation must be guaranteed. Israel's national legislation violates its obligations under the UN Charter and international law, and will set an egregious precedent and lead to extensive negative consequences. Protecting UNRWA from attacks is a must for the international rule of law.

Second, with Gaza already being a living hell, UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the region, supporting the lifeline of two million people. Its role is irreplaceable. Preventing UNRWA from delivering assistance will, as a direct consequence, aggravate the hunger, disease, and suffering of the people in Gaza. It is typical collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law.

Third, Israel's allegations against the neutrality of UNRWA are untenable. The Independent Review Group appointed by the Secretary-General has issued its report and has made it clear that UNRWA has in place a significant number of sound mechanisms to ensure its neutrality and to ensure that it is capable of timely responses to and accountability for any breaches. After the terrorism-related allegations were made against individual staff members of UNRWA, Secretary-General Guterres and Commissioner-General Lazzarini have responded without delay. Relevant individual cases should not affect the overall work of UNRWA, and still less, be used as a pretext to attack and smear the Agency.

Fourth, UNRWA is not and should not be a permanent agency. Yet, pending the realization of Palestine's national self-determination and the actual implementation of the two-State solution, UNRWA remains indispensable. A growing number of analyses point out that in escalating suppression against and attempting to shut down UNRWA, Israel's true intention is to change the social and economic status quo in Gaza and the West Bank to completely end the prospects of the two-State solution. In the face of such deliberate sabotage of the two-State solution, the international community must be vigilant and reject it.

President,

The conflict in Gaza has been dragging on for 13 months and has caused unprecedented disasters and destruction. The pressing priority is to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, China supports the General Assembly and the Security Council in taking all necessary actions to this end, and will continue our tireless efforts together with the international community.

Thank you, President.