China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that Israel’s actions in Gaza have surpassed what can be justified as self-defense, emphasizing that the Israeli government should halt its collective punishment of the Gaza population. These comments were made during a conversation with Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday, coinciding with Israel’s potential preparations for a ground offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza.
Wang’s statement reflects China’s increasing involvement in mediating Middle Eastern affairs. In March, they played a pivotal role in facilitating the reestablishment of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a key supporter of Hamas.
Wang emphasized that Israel must heed the calls of the international community and the UN Secretary General, and put an end to the collective punishment being imposed on the people of Gaza. This marks China’s strongest position thus far on the conflict.
Over a million individuals in the densely populated northern part of Gaza have been instructed to evacuate in anticipation of an impending assault, a development humanitarian organizations warn will trigger a severe crisis. Gaza, a densely populated and economically challenged region housing 2.3 million inhabitants, has been subjected to a comprehensive land, air, and sea blockade since 2006.
Following a breach by Hamas fighters of the heavily fortified border between Gaza and Israel, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 1,300 individuals, Israel launched a large-scale retaliatory bombing campaign directed at the Islamist group. This campaign has claimed the lives of over 2,200 individuals in Gaza.
