Struggling Al-Shifa Hospital epitome of humanitarian crisis in Gaza: China

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Pointing out the scale of destruction caused in Gaza since Oct. 07, China on Monday said the struggling Al-Shifa Hospital “is an epitome of the ongoing humanitarian crisis” in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

“China calls for an immediate cease-fire and ramping up humanitarian aid to ease the situation on the ground,” said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry.

At least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,700 children and women, in Israel's air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since last month, and more than 28,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures by Palestinian authorities. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, have also been destroyed or damaged in Israel's relentless assault.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.

China also called on the US to act objectively on the Palestine-Israeli conflict.

Beijing “hopes the US will follow an objective and just stance on the Palestinian-Israeli issue and play a constructive role in promoting a cease-fire and halting the conflict,” Mao told reporters in the Chinese capital, according to the ministry.