China to Intervene in Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
Amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China’s special envoy for the Middle East will soon visit countries in the region. This revelation was made during the 12th EU-China Strategic Dialogue where Wang engaged with EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.
Emphasizing the severity of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Wang highlighted China’s position that an immediate ceasefire is vital. China has committed to delivering urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza and the Palestinian National Authority via the UN. He underscored that a lasting peace in the Middle East hinges upon the realization of the “two-state solution” and addressing the historical injustices faced by the Palestinians.
Recent figures from Al Jazeera indicate the devastating impact of the conflict, with over 1,500 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis reported dead. To mitigate further escalation, China’s Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, has been in touch with foreign ministers from various Middle Eastern countries, reiterating the importance of the two-state solution.
In the backdrop of the escalating crisis, the US has signaled its support for Israel’s actions against Hamas, evident by the arrival of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and shipments of US weaponry. Chinese experts like Zhu Yongbiao from Lanzhou University opine that while the US possesses the capability to mediate, its motivation seems to be driven more by strategic interests than genuine concern for regional suffering.
A shift in Western perspectives on the conflict is becoming evident. The EU’s Borrell recently suggested that Israel might have overstepped international law in its actions in Gaza and emphasized continued EU support for the Palestinian Authority.
The sudden Hamas strike against Israel has been termed by some as a defining “9/11 moment” for Israel. However, a cautionary note was voiced by Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, comparing Israel’s potential reaction to the US response post-9/11, which transitioned from widespread empathy to global disapproval.
Experts like Zhu anticipate a worsening scenario if Israel launches a significant ground offensive in Gaza, especially with added external influences. This could spur reactions from Islamic nations, complicating an already volatile situation and paving the way for opportunists to exploit the unrest. Echoing this sentiment, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, warned of the conflict potentially spilling over if Israel’s offensive continues.
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