NEW YORK — China on Thursday demanded the Security Council take robust actions to address the Palestinian-Israeli issue, calling on Israel to completely lift the blockade on Gaza as soon as possible. In his statement before the Security Council, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Zhang Jun affirmed that the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and as such, must take robust actions to address the Palestinian-Israeli issue, reaffirming China"s unwavering support for the two-state solution. "The Palestinian-Israeli issue has been on the UN"s agenda for more than 70 years. Each time the Palestinian-Israeli situation is thrown into turmoil, it is an alarm bell for international rule of law, and tests the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms," he added. "The latest round of conflict tells us once again that the Middle East peace process must not be derailed; the Palestinian Cause must not be marginalized; the sufferings of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights must not be ignored; the multiple binding resolutions adopted by the Security Council must not be forgotten, and the Council’s responsibilities must not be shirked," he asserted, adding that an enduring settlement can only be achieved on the basis of the two-state solution. The Chinese envoy pointed out that renewed confrontations in and outside A-Aqsa Mosque point to continued tensions in East Jerusalem, affirming that China once again urges all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from any moves that may escalate the situation. "Israel must genuinely put an end to violence, threats and provocations against the Muslims, maintain and respect the historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, stop the evictions of the Palestinian people, and halt all settlement activities," he said. He called on the international community to act without delay, provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine and support the emergency funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), urging Israel to facilitate humanitarian access. — SPA