Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that Israel’s actions in Gaza following the resistance factions’ attack on Israel “exceed the limits of self-defense,” and the Israeli government should stop the “collective punishment” of Gaza residents.
Wang Yi called on the United States to “play a constructive and responsible role” in the conflict, and urged convening an international peace meeting “as soon as possible to promote the achievement of a broad consensus.”
The Chinese official, following his meeting with representatives of the Arab League in China on Friday, told the bloc that his country “will make strenuous efforts to bring the Middle East peace process back on track.”
Indeed, Chinese state media announced that Special Envoy for the Middle East Chai Jun will visit the region next week to push for a ceasefire between the resistance factions and Israel and encourage peace talks.
China Central Television said in a video report published today, Sunday, that Chai “will visit the Middle East next week to coordinate with the various parties in order to achieve a ceasefire, protect civilians, improve the situation, and promote peace talks.”
The Chinese channel’s announcement comes as Israel appears to be preparing to launch a ground offensive on Gaza.
On Saturday, the Israeli army called on Gaza residents to leave northern Gaza, a process of mass displacement that relief organizations say could cause a humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel has been pounding Gaza intensely for 9 days now, killing at least 2,300 people in the besieged Palestinian enclave, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Meanwhile, more than 1,300 people have been killed in Israel since the “Sword of Jerusalem” attack, which also resulted in the capture of at least 120 people, according to Israeli officials.
