China, Saudi Arabia, Iran call for immediate cease-fire in Gaza

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China, Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday urged for the "immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza" and the flow of "sustainable relief" to Palestinians in the tiny enclave.

The call was made in a joint statement after a meeting for the deputy foreign ministers of the three countries in the Chinese capital Beijing held to follow up on the reconciliation agreement, known as the Beijing Agreement, between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The statement also said the three officials "expressed concern about the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip as a threat to regional and international peace and security."

They also categorically rejected any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands, the statement noted.

The three countries also stressed "that any arrangement regarding the future of Palestine must reflect the will of the Palestinian people, supporting their right to establish their own state and determine their destiny."

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege, and mounted a ground offensive in retaliation for a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 18,787 Palestinians have since been killed and 50,897 injured in the Israeli onslaught, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while 135 hostages are still held by the Palestinian group in Gaza, according to official figures.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar