China advocates 2-state solution amid Gaza conflict, pledges support for peace efforts

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – China has called for a two-state solution amid the Israeli conflict in Gaza, pledging to "do everything it can to help implement" the solution, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Monday.

"China firmly supports anything that is conducive to promoting dialogue, achieving cease-fire and restoring peace," said Wang in Beijing.

He added that "China will do everything it can to help implement the two-state solution and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue. We will continue to make unremitting efforts to this end together with the international community," Beijing-based Global Times reported.

He emphasized that China's position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is "very clear."

"China calls for a cease-fire as soon as possible and the protection of civilians, as well as establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the implementation of the two-state solution, to achieve peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel," Wang said.

"The UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza. China co-sponsored and voted for the resolution," Wang reminded.

He added: “Since the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict, China has all along called for a cease-fire and the protection of civilians, the opening of humanitarian relief corridors and the avoidance of greater humanitarian disasters.”

Last week, Beijing stressed that it "will continue to call on parties concerned to work together to de-escalate the situation."

"China always hopes that all factions in Palestine will achieve reconciliation and cooperation," it said.

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 9,850 people have been killed in the conflict, including 8,306 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.