Amid Israeli threat, China warns against harming civilians in Lebanon

By Anadolu staff

China on Friday said it condemns any act that harms civilians and expressed deep concern over the Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called on all parties to remain calm.

"China condemns any act that harms civilians and expresses deep concern over the current situation. We call on all parties concerned to remain calm and restrained and avoid further escalation of tensions," he told reporters during press briefing.

At least seven people, including two children, were killed in the airstrike Tuesday in Beirut that killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Israel blamed Shukr for a missile attack Saturday that killed 12 people in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, although Hezbollah has denied responsibility.

Shukr’s assassination was followed by the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital Tehran early Wednesday in an attack blamed on Israel. Tel Aviv has not yet confirmed or denied responsibility.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah vowed a “real response” to the strike that killed Shukr.

Fears have grown of a full-blown war between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group amid a months-long exchange of cross-border fire.

The escalation comes against the backdrop of an Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has killed nearly 39,500 people since last October following an attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid