Beijing is voicing deep concern over the flare up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is calling for a restart to peace talks as soon as possible. This message was delivered by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in a public briefing on Monday.
In separate phone conversations with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, China signaled its readiness to take a constructive role to stabilize the region and support renewed dialogue.
Qin Gang stressed that China is worried about the rising tensions and that the immediate aim must be to restrain the violence and prevent any slide toward broader confrontation. This was conveyed in a note following Qin Gang’s call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Beijing urged both sides to demonstrate political courage and take steps that would restart peace negotiations, adding that China stands ready to help create favorable conditions for such talks.
Israel’s Cohen responded by thanking China for offering support in resolving the conflict. He said the Israeli side is determined to cool the situation, though he cautioned that a quick solution is unlikely.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, during a meeting with China’s top diplomat, welcomed China’s clear stance on the Palestinian issue and China’s support for Palestinian self-determination, praising Beijing’s efforts and engagement.
Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated talks toward establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza—lands captured by Israel in 1967—have stalled for nearly a decade and show little sign of revival.
On April 7, Egypt announced de-escalation agreements between Israeli and Palestinian groups, signaling a potential shift toward reduced hostility in some circles.
The recent surge in tensions followed clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, an incident that has inflamed regional sentiment and drawn renewed international attention to the conflict.
Israeli actions at Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem have been cited by regional observers as a possible catalyst for renewed friction, with Palestinian officials describing the move as provocative and risking broader escalation. Analysts note that leadership on the Palestinian side has stressed seeking de-escalation while continuing efforts toward political ends. (Attribution: governmental statements and regional security briefings.)