Chinese Foreign Ministry: Political Will and Diplomatic Efforts Needed to End the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

A spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday (Wednesday) that political will and diplomatic efforts, rather than weapons, ammunition, and unilateral sanctions, are needed to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mao Ning made these remarks during a daily press conference when asked to comment on the U.S. move to impose sanctions on individuals and entities from three countries for financing Hamas, while providing $8.7 billion in military aid to Israel by the end of last September.

Mao stated that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for more than a year, has resulted in the deaths of more than forty thousand people, most of whom are women and children. She added that the international community agrees on the need to de-escalate tensions, end fighting and violence, protect civilians, and avoid humanitarian disasters.

"We need political will and diplomatic efforts, not weapons, ammunition, and unilateral sanctions to end this conflict," Mao affirmed. She added that major countries must play their due role, be objective and fair, take the lead in respecting international law, make positive efforts to end the fighting as soon as possible, control the situation, and prevent the crisis from spreading.

Reports have also indicated that Israel intends to respond significantly to Iran, potentially targeting oil production facilities, nuclear installations, and other strategic sites within Iran. Iran has stated that any attack from Israel will be met with a firm response.

Mao expressed China's deep concern about the turmoil in the Middle East, adding that China "opposes actions that fuel hostility and expand the conflict and calls on all parties to address the current situation with a calm, rational, and responsible attitude for the sake of peace and stability in the region."

She pointed out that the international community, especially major influential countries, must play a constructive role in avoiding further unrest.