China calls on all parties concerned to probe humanitarian law violations in Gaza conflict

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China called on all parties concerned on Wednesday to carry out "independent and reliable investigations into all activities that violate the international humanitarian law and human rights conventions, and hold the perpetrators accountable."

The appeal came as Zhang Yesui, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, was taking the floor at the plenary session of the 64th General Assembly, which opened on Wednesday morning to consider the Goldstone report. The Goldstone report accuses both Israel and Palestine of war crimes in the 22-day Gaza conflict.

"We call on all parties concerned to remain engaged in cooperation with relevant UN organs and agencies, carry out independent and reliable investigations into all activities that violate the international humanitarian law and human rights conventions, and hold the perpetrators accountable," Zhang said. "In the meantime, the UN organs and agencies should perform their respective functions, and work in strict accordance with their mandates.

"The Chinese government has followed very closely the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in Gaza," he added. "The blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip over the years, particularly the military actions at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, has inflicted a serious humanitarian crisis on the Palestinian people, and caused enormous casualties to innocent civilians.

"Our hearts go out for the plight of the Palestinian people," he continued. "On the other hand, we understand the security concerns of Israel, and are equally saddened by the civilian casualties of Israel.

"Such concerns, however, should not be an excuse for excessive use of force that brings damage to innocent civilians. Both the Palestinians and Israelis should enjoy the equal rights to survival and personal security," he asserted.

"We oppose any violence against civilians, and urge the parties concerned to comply with the international humanitarian law and human rights conventions," Zhang urged.

"To truly improve the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, we hope Israel will heed the call of the international community, open the border crossings into Gaza, ensure unfettered access of humanitarian and reconstruction supplies to Gaza, stop construction of settlements and the separation wall, and stop forced demolishing of Palestinian houses and restrictions on the normal activities and freedom of movement of the Palestinian people," Zhang said.

"We hope the international community will render continued political and moral support to the Palestinian people, and intensify its economic, financial and technical assistance to ease the hardship still confronted by the Palestinian people," he added.

"The Middle East peace process is now at a critical juncture. The humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory still presents a big challenge to the efforts to resume the Middle East peace process.

"The international community should remain focused on the situation and provide real assistance," Zhang suggested. "We have noted the report and recommendations of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission of the Human Rights Council, which contains a host of targeted and operable steps."