China's Government Urges Israel To Stop Its Offensive on Gaza
China Says It Believes Israel Went 'Beyond Self Defense'
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October 17, 2023
In a phone call with Saudi Arabian counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Israeli government to halt its military actions in Gaza.
Wang claimed that Israel had gone beyond self-defense in response to the surprise attack by the Hamas terrorist group last week. The Chinese regime called for an end to what it referred to as the "collective punishment of civilians in Gaza."
The conversation between Wang Yi and Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud followed sharp criticism from the Israeli foreign ministry regarding China's lack of condemnation for Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel. The attack resulted in the death of over 1,000 civilians and the capture of up to 150 more as hostages.
The Israeli foreign ministry expressed disappointment over the absence of a clear and unequivocal condemnation from China for the "terrible massacre" committed by Hamas against innocent civilians and the abduction of dozens of them to Gaza. Israeli ambassador Rafi Harpaz conveyed Israel's deep disappointment to China's special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, during a phone call.
The Chinese government has refrained from denouncing the Palestinian terror group. Following the October 7 strike by Hamas on Israel, China's initial response was to call on "relevant parties" to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions. This stance has drawn criticism from Israel, which expected a stronger condemnation from China.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in the region, with both sides engaging in military actions and retaliations. The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to de-escalate the situation.
China's appeal to Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza aligns with its foreign policy of promoting peace and stability. As a major global power, China has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts in various conflicts around the world. However, its reluctance to condemn Hamas has raised eyebrows and sparked questions about its stance on terrorism.