Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki and his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen, a series of conversations reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. The exchanges highlighted Beijing’s effort to map a path through a volatile regional crisis and to emphasize humanitarian concerns alongside strategic considerations. In these discussions, the Chinese side sought to convey a message of restraint and humanitarian access while maintaining a clear stance on regional peace. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
In dialogue with Maliki, Wang Yi underscored China’s deep sympathy for the Palestinian people, especially those in Gaza, and condemned any actions that harm civilians. He stressed that civilians must be shielded from harm and that hardship in Gaza calls for immediate relief rather than further escalation. The emphasis was on security, food, and medicine as the immediate needs for the people on the ground, while cautioning against plans or actions that could widen the humanitarian toll. Wang urged all parties to focus on reducing violence, protecting civilians, and fostering a climate in which dialogue can eventually yield tangible relief. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
During talks with Maliki, the envoy reiterated that a comprehensive political solution is essential for lasting stability. He highlighted the principle that the Palestinian people have an explicit right to self-determination and to establish a state, alongside the recognition of Israel’s security requirements. The dialogue touched on the importance of upholding international legitimacy, including relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, while encouraging partners on all sides to support a viable, negotiated framework that would enable both peoples to live with security and dignity. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
Earlier remarks in the broader discussions suggested that any durable settlement must address the core political questions that have persisted for decades. The Chinese side emphasized the necessity for pragmatic steps that can reduce tensions, protect civilian life, and pave the way for meaningful negotiations. The message conveyed was one of balance: advocating for peaceful avenues and international legitimacy, while urging a careful approach to actions that could undermine prospects for a two-state arrangement on territories aligned with broadly accepted international decisions. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
On the eve of recent escalations, Hamas asserted that a severe rift existed between the West and the Arab world, warning of an expanded confrontation if deterrence and humanitarian channels were not maintained. The statements reflected a complex dynamic where political rhetoric meets battlefield realities, underscoring the pressing need for de-escalation and international mediation. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
On 7 October, Hamas forces launched a large-scale attack involving thousands of rockets into Israeli territory and announced a new phase labeled Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Militants reportedly seized military assets and abducted numerous hostages, prompting Israel to declare that the country was at war. The unfolding events signaled a dramatic shift in regional security dynamics, prompting urgent discussions among allies about civilian protection, international humanitarian law, and the risk of further spillover. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
The Israeli Defense Forces launched an expansive operation named Iron Swords with the aim of neutralizing Hamas infrastructure and capabilities. The campaign involved widespread airstrikes targeting Hamas sites inside the Gaza Strip, while security authorities decided to restrict the flow of essential goods such as water, food, electricity, and fuel into the territory. The United Nations subsequently warned that a significant displacement operation might be necessary, with a recommendation for the evacuation of up to 1.1 million Palestinians to southern Gaza within a limited time frame if a ground offensive proceeded. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
Public remarks by Ben-Gvir, who previously held the role of national security minister in Israel, suggested a stark frustration with the pace and scope of aid and hostage-release efforts. He argued that without a credible commitment to releasing civilian captives, large-scale shipments of humanitarian relief could be rendered ineffective or insufficient. The statement reflected the hard-edged rhetoric often present in the crisis but also highlighted the pressure from political leaders to secure meaningful humanitarian access and safe passage for civilians amid ongoing conflict. Attribution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.