Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

Continuous bombings have turned Gaza into a living hell. Recently, the US State Department announced $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a privately run aid group. Yet this group has been called a "death trap" by the UN, as large numbers of civilians are killed daily while trying to access its four "distribution hubs." 

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claims to have delivered tens of millions of meals. However, instead of easing the crisis, this move has sparked intense international criticism. The head of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, called the operation "a death trap." As some US lawmakers and UN officials have stated, using hunger as political leverage and turning humanitarian aid into a military tool is a cruel mockery of Gaza's civilians. 

Today in Gaza, international emergency help is urgently needed. But even more important is an immediate, comprehensive and unconditional cease-fire. Without a fair regional environment and without solving the deep-rooted issues, any supposed "humanitarian aid" will only treat symptoms, not the cause. Moreover, some so-called aid is just used to fuel the "death trap."

Real peace is impossible without real solutions. The facts on the ground are grim. Aid supplies can't meet even the most basic needs - and worst of all, as aid is delivered to Gaza, the death toll continues to climb. 

According to Palestinian local agencies, over 6,000 people have died, and more than 20,000 have been wounded since Israel resumed military operations in March.
The UN and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of total humanitarian collapse. In recent months, the International Court of Justice has received accusations from several countries stating that Israel's military actions in Gaza go far beyond any supposed "revenge" for hostage incidents. The large-scale, systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure suggest a chilling intent to deprive an entire people of their future.

The Gaza crisis is not an isolated tragedy. Its roots lie in longstanding structural problems and great power rivalry, especially the growing conflict between the US and Iran.
China has maintained a clear and consistent position on Gaza. China firmly opposes all actions that violate international law, calls for an immediate stop to military attacks on civilians and supports the "two-state solution." The "two-state solution" refers to the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 border and with east Jerusalem as its capital, alongside the Israeli state.

China also urges all parties to return to the UN framework to seek a fair and peaceful resolution. Israel must respect Palestinians' right to live, their legitimate demands and end its harsh collective punishment of Palestinian civilians. 

Only by returning to UN-led multilateral negotiations, pushing for a lasting cease-fire, protecting civilians and restarting real peace talks can hope return to Gaza.
On the issue of a cease-fire, the US must take greater moral and practical responsibility. The US should not let its interests hijack international justice or use so-called aid to cover for continued military support. Only by ending its unconditional military and political support for Israel, abandoning Cold War confrontation, and truly supporting UN-led solutions can the war in Gaza be brought to an end.

This is not about who wins or loses but a test of humanity's respect for life, dignity and hope.