In response to the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, China has declared its intent to provide urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Authority through United Nations channels. China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire as the top priority amid the ongoing crisis.
Wang Yi, quoted by the state-run Global Times, stated, "In light of the current severe situation, China believes that the top priority amid escalating Israel-Palestine conflict is an immediate ceasefire." He further announced that China's special envoy for the Middle East would soon visit relevant countries in the region, underscoring China's commitment to diplomatic efforts in addressing the crisis.
The Middle East has witnessed a dramatic escalation of tensions, with Israeli forces responding forcefully to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories. The conflict, initiated by Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, includes rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. Hamas cited the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and the escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians as reasons for its operation.
In turn, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, leading to a further deterioration of living conditions in Gaza. Israel's response has included measures such as cutting water and electricity supplies, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population in an area under a longstanding siege since 2007.
China's decision to send humanitarian aid reflects its concern for the humanitarian impact of the conflict and its commitment to fostering stability in the region. The call for an immediate ceasefire aligns with international efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Palestine crisis.
