A Sunday meeting between United Nation members raised concerns that the violence could erupt into an all-out war and sparked debate about Israel's right to defend itself.
China pushed for the Security Council to call for immediate de-escalation in one unified statement. While other members were on board, the United States objected to the effort, adding tension to an already strained relationship between the U.S. and China.
"We urge the U.S. to shoulder its fair share of responsibilities, take a just stance, and work with the majority of the international community to support the Security Council in playing its due role in easing the situation, rebuilding trust and advancing political settlement," foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday.reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian called for the U.S. to take a"just stance" on the issue of Israel and Gaza. Zhao speaks at the daily media briefing in Beijing on April 8, 2020.Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the rising death doll"devastating" and said on Sunday the Biden administration supported a cease-fire"should the parties" seek one.