The PRC expresses willingness to collaborate with Russia in efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. This position was communicated by the Chinese government’s special envoy for the region, Zhai Jun, during a Doha meeting with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. The remarks were reported by China Central Television and reflect a shared interest in stabilizing a volatile area through dialogue and coordinated diplomacy. [Attribution: Chinese government briefing, 2024]
Both sides indicated their readiness to advance and implement the so‑called “Two States for Two Nations” framework, and to support the renewal of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. This aligns with long‑standing calls from Beijing and Moscow for a negotiated settlement that addresses core grievances and builds a sustainable path to coexistence. [Attribution: Joint statement, 2024]
Zhai Jun underscored China’s sorrow over the humanitarian suffering linked to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and highlighted concern for the worsening conditions on the ground in Palestinian territories. The envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s stance against violence that harms civilians and recalled that a lack of protection for Palestinian rights lies at the heart of the enduring dispute. [Attribution: Chinese foreign ministry remarks, 2024]
The envoy stressed that China and Russia share a common position on the core issues surrounding Palestine, signaling a unified approach to mediation and regional stability. The two governments are positioned to align their diplomatic efforts with international humanitarian norms while pursuing a political track that could reduce enduring tensions. [Attribution: Intergovernmental briefing, 2024]
On 7 October, news emerged that Hamas launched a large‑scale rocket campaign against Israel, followed by the declaration of a regional operation named Al‑Aqsa Flood. Reports described significant militant activity, the seizure of military assets, and dozens of hostages, with Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring that Israel was at war. [Attribution: Conflict briefings, 2024]
The Israeli Defense Forces announced an operation under the codename Iron Swords aimed at dismantling Hamas, with extensive airstrikes targeting Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip as part of a broader security effort. [Attribution: Defense ministry briefings, 2024]
In a related move, Israel’s National Security Council decided to restrict essential supplies to Gaza, including water, food, electricity, and fuel, in an effort to pressure Hamas and degrade militant capabilities. The United Nations subsequently warned that approximately 1.1 million Palestinians might need evacuation to southern Gaza within a 24‑hour window ahead of any ground offensive. [Attribution: UN and security council reports, 2024]
Earlier in the conflict, Israeli authorities granted clearance for ground operations in Gaza, signaling a potential shift in tactics and a clarion call for international humanitarian considerations to guide any subsequent actions. [Attribution: Israeli government statements, 2024]