China's Wang Yi calls for ceasefire diplomacy, additional aid in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Nov 2023 19:45
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China would dispatch additional humanitarian aid to Gaza in the coming days.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting with South Korea and Japan, in Busan, South Korea, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon. Pool)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism on Wednesday that the conclusion of the current ceasefire in Gaza would not lead to a renewed Israeli aggression.

Instead, the diplomat said he views this particular period as an opportunity to foster diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire in the region.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the UN Security Council that a resumption of fighting in Gaza threatens to "devour the region."

"(A resumption) in fighting would only, most likely, turn into a calamity that devours the whole region," he said.

"China strongly hopes that the past days of pause will not be a hiatus before a new round of offensive but rather the beginning of further diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. China appeals to the international community to take a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as an overriding priority," Wang stated during a UN Security Council meeting.

Furthermore, Wang announced during the meeting that China would dispatch additional humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"I'd like to announce that the Chinese government will provide to Gaza another batch of emergency humanitarian supplies," he informed the council's members.

China's comprehensive plan

In a separate meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Wang reiterated China's call for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.

Emphasizing the need to restart talks on a two-state solution, he underlined the significance of political resolutions in addressing the occupation of Palestine.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement quoting Wang Yi's stance: "UN Resolution 2712 is a first step toward a ceasefire and a good start to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict through political means... the Chinese position is very clear: first, the war simply must not be restarted, a comprehensive ceasefire should be implemented to avoid an even greater humanitarian catastrophe, and detained people should be released."

The second key point outlined during the UN Security Council meeting is the importance of unobstructed entry for humanitarian aid into Gaza, the need for additional entry points, and the establishment of an effective supervision mechanism.

And Third, he called for the swift resumption of talks for a two-state solution and proposed the convening of an authoritative international peace conference, led by the United Nations, to formulate a roadmap and timetable for the peace process.

As tensions persist in the region, China continues to play an active role in advocating for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian support for Gaza.

China Firmly Upholds Peace, Int'l Law on Palestine-Israel Issue: Chinese FM
On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China stands firmly on the side of peace, human conscience and international law, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.
Credit @CCTV_Plus pic.twitter.com/F2jy9ni0bs
— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) November 29, 2023

A four-day humanitarian truce went into effect in Gaza at 7 am (GMT+2) Friday after a deal was reached between the Israeli occupation and Hamas on the matter following an Israeli aggression that has persisted for 47 days, leaving tens of thousands injured, killed, and displaced.

The truce was extended for an additional two days as per the request of the Qatari mediator.

Further extensions of the humanitarian truce have been discussed as well.