China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the US to “adjust” its position on Israel-Palestine tensions on Sunday.
Speaking at a virtual debate of UN Security Council on Palestine, Wang said because of the obstruction of the US, the Security Council has not been able to speak with one voice on Palestine.
He was referring to the repeated efforts of Washington to block UN Security Council from issuing a joint statement on Israeli violence in Palestine.
Chinese FM today: “Regrettably, simply because of the obstruction of one country, the Security Council hasn't been able to speak with one voice…We call upon the United States to shoulder its due responsibilities."https://t.co/w0QS9BvTQx
— Derek J. Grossman (@DerekJGrossman) May 16, 2021
“We call upon US to shoulder its responsibilities, taking adjust position,” said the Chinese diplomat.
In his remarks, Wang called for a cease-fire between Israel and Palestine, a stop to the violence.
“The use of force cannot ensure peace, nor can violence bring tranquility,” he said, adding it is important that Israel exercises restraint and observe the relevant UN resolutions, stop the demolition of Palestinian homes, and the eviction of the Palestinian people.
Read more: China calls for seizure of Israel’s Jerusalem attacks
The recent tensions that started in East Jerusalem in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan spread to Gaza after Palestinian resistance groups there vowed to retaliate against Israeli assaults on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Sheikh Jarrah.
Over 190 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed since May 10 when Tel Aviv launched airstrikes on the blockaded city.
Israeli police attack worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque
Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani, the director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, called on Israeli police to halt their attacks and withdraw from the mosque courtyard.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the “Temple Mount,” claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
Read more: Iran’s Khamenei calls Israel a terrorist base
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk