Regional conflict imminent as Gaza war expands, Tehran tells Beijing

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Dec 2023 00:11

The Chinese diplomat expressed regret over the US veto of the resolution and reaffirmed his country's commitment to achieving a ceasefire and delivering aid to Gaza.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaks during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib, in Beirut Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. (AP)

In a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday evening, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that the war on Gaza has now extended into West Asia, cautioning that the region is on the brink of erupting unless immediate action is taken to halt Israeli assaults on Palestinian territories.

"The scope of the war in the region has expanded, and if the attacks on Gaza are not stopped immediately, there is the possibility that the region explodes at any time, with all parties losing control", Amir-Abdollahian told his counterpart, Yi.

"Unfortunately, the American side does not understand the danger of the further expansion of the war. The life of its ally, [Benjamin] Netanyahu, is only in the continuation of war and genocide. The situation in the region will not remain like this," the Iranian foreign minister further said about the Israeli prime minister's decision to continue the war on Gaza despite increasing international pressure.

"The security of the region is important for all of us", Amir-Abdollahian said, noting that Iranian authorities have engaged in several discussions with regional countries on this matter.

He also voiced frustration over the US's decision to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He urged China to take an active role in halting the war, highlighting Beijing's prior constructive endeavors in fostering peace and stability in the region.

On his part, the Chinese diplomat expressed regret over the US veto of the resolution and reaffirmed his country's commitment to achieving a ceasefire and delivering aid to Gaza.

The officials also delved into discussions about Tehran-Beijing relations, with both expressing positive views over the development of bilateral ties.

China stands with the Palestinian people

The Chinese diplomat has been very vocal about the necessity of implementing a lasting and sustainable ceasefire.

China has already contributed to aiding Gaza through the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing.

In late November, Wang Yi held a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during which 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.