China supports efforts for 'permanent and comprehensive' Gaza ceasefire

China, on Wednesday, said it supports all efforts that contribute to a “permanent and comprehensive” ceasefire in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed nearly 40,000 people since October last year, Anadolu Agency reports.

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, said Beijing has been calling for international efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza “as soon as possible” and prevent further spill-over, state-run Xinhua News reported.

He made the remarks at a press conference when asked whether China has had any outreach to Hamas or others over the group’s decision not to take part in fresh ceasefire talks.

China, he added, is playing an “active” role in easing regional tensions.

“We support all efforts that contribute to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, and will work with the international community to de-escalate the situation,” Lin further said.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Over 10 months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on 6 May.

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