Crisis in Gaza Continues; China Urges Humanitarian Response
As the conflict in the Gaza Strip escalates, with the death toll rising, Chinese analysts have sounded an alarm about an impending humanitarian crisis. They caution that the volatile situation may reach a critical tipping point, potentially altering the political landscape. These experts call upon the US, which has significant influence over Israel, to persuade Israel to de-escalate, rather than fueling tensions in the Middle East further.
China has been pressed by Western media to denounce Hamas. However, Chinese commentators argue that it’s unreasonable to pressure China to take sides in a crisis, which, they believe, has been inflamed by historical Western colonization and what they see as the US’s one-sided policies in the Middle East. Chinese experts assert that China has consistently maintained a neutral stance and is open to facilitating negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
Recent updates from the Israeli military hint at the possibility of a ground operation in Gaza, although a definitive decision hasn’t been made. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also made strong statements against the Hamas militant group, suggesting a potential escalation.
The Associated Press reports that the conflict has already resulted in approximately 2,300 casualties across both sides, with the UN stating that over 338,000 individuals in Gaza have been displaced due to the turmoil. Resources such as food, fuel, and medical supplies are increasingly scarce.
China has also experienced direct losses in the conflict, with three Chinese citizens confirmed dead and two missing. Others have sustained injuries. The Chinese Foreign Ministry is actively working to assist its citizens affected by the situation.
Experts like Tian Wenlin of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations and Zhu Weilie of the Shanghai International Studies University emphasize the potential for a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The densely populated region and the presence of Hamas amidst civilians make military engagements especially treacherous. Zhu added that the disparity in military strength between Hamas and Israel means the public could become more sympathetic to the Palestinians, which aligns with Hamas’s objectives.
Israeli political shifts, such as the unity government formed between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, suggest to some Chinese analysts that Israel may adopt an even tougher stance against Hamas.
Amid these tensions, there are allegations of Israel deploying white phosphorus bombs in the western port area of Gaza, causing numerous suffocations. However, the UN has not verified these claims.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced his concerns regarding the escalating situation. He urged all involved parties to prevent further escalation.
Despite the US’s potential influence over Israel, some Chinese experts believe that the US is only adding fuel to the fire. They point to actions such as sending warships and one-sidedly condemning Hamas, arguing that such measures are counterproductive. Instead of mere shows of support and power projections, Zhu suggests the US should foster negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Palestinian Ambassador to China, Fariz Mehdawi, expressed dissatisfaction with the US’s approach to Middle East conflicts, criticizing what he perceives as the US’s domineering approach.
In a recent briefing, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated China’s deep concerns about the escalating situation in Palestine. Zhai Jun, a special envoy of the Chinese government on Middle East issues, has been in active communication with representatives from Israel and Palestine, emphasizing China’s neutral stance and its call for peace.
Despite China’s consistent stance, some Western media outlets have been critical, suggesting China has been soft in its response to Hamas and leans towards supporting Palestine. Tian asserts that the Western media’s allegations are baseless and accuses them of attempting to shift blame to China for a problem rooted in historical colonization and policies.
Scholars, including Liu Zhongmin from the Shanghai International Studies University, highlight that the ongoing conflict underscores the need for a two-state solution, which China has consistently supported.
As the crisis between Palestine and Israel continues, China emphasizes its neutral position and urges for a collective, humanitarian approach to alleviate the suffering of the affected people.
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