China criticises Israel's actions on Gaza in war with Hamas: 'Beyond scope of self-defense'
China's foreign minister condemned Israel's actions for going "beyond the scope of self-defence" and called for it to "cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza". "(Israel) should listen earnestly to the calls of the international community...
and cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza," Wang said Sunday as per AFP. Notably this is China's strongest response to the conflict so far.
Western officials have criticised Beijing for not naming Hamas in statements on the Israel-Hamas war. Wang spoke on Sunday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who called on China to use its "influence" in the Middle East to push for calm.
China has a warm relationship with Iran, where the clerical leadership supports both Hamas and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that could open a second front against Israel. This year, China brokered an entente between former regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Beijing's special envoy Zhai Jun will visit the Middle East this week to push for a ceasefire and peace talks, China's state broadcaster CCTV said on Sunday, without specifying which countries he would visit. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels
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