A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and violence between Israel and Palestinians. The spokesperson called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and urged an immediate end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The spokesperson emphasized that the recurring conflict underscores the need to address the long-standing stalemate in the peace process and highlighted the importance of implementing the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.
China called on the international community to take urgent action, increase efforts to address the Palestine issue, facilitate the resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and work towards achieving lasting peace.
The spokesperson noted that China remains committed to working with the international community to bring about an end to the conflict. The ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and is considered one of the bloodiest escalations in decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Issues Evacuation Warning
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas, which involved a barrage of rockets and a large-scale ground assault on Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Palestinians in Gaza to “leave now” as the death toll on both sides approaches 1,000.
This escalation in the conflict, considered one of the worst in decades, has resulted in over 600 reported deaths on the Israeli side and at least 370 deaths in Gaza, with thousands more wounded on both sides.
Thousands of Israeli forces are confronting Hamas fighters in the south, and the Israeli air force continues to strike targets in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has warned of a “long and difficult” war ahead.
He stated on social media, “We are embarking on a long and difficult war forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack.” Netanyahu also urged Gaza residents to leave, cautioning that Israeli forces would operate forcefully across all areas.
Fierce gun battles have taken place in towns and on highways as the Israeli army seeks to secure desert regions near the coastal enclave, rescue Israeli hostages, and evacuate areas near Gaza within 24 hours.
Military spokesman Daniel Hagari vowed to eliminate every terrorist in Israel and reach every community as the conflict continues.
Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement claimed to have fired artillery shells and guided missiles at Israeli positions in contested border areas in solidarity with Hamas.
Overnight airstrikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and the homes of Hamas officials in Gaza.
