Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged a prompt response from the international community to halt the unfolding “humanitarian disaster” in Gaza during discussions with a visiting group of diplomats from Arab and Muslim-majority nations on Monday.
“Let us work together to quickly cool down the situation in Gaza and restore peace in the Middle East as soon as possible,” Wang told foreign ministers in opening remarks in Beijing.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Gaza,” Wang told the diplomats, which include foreign ministers of the Palestinian Authority, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

“The situation in Gaza affects all countries around the world, questioning the human sense of right and wrong and humanity’s bottom line,” he said.

“The international community must act urgently, taking effective measures to prevent this tragedy from spreading,” Wang added.

Israel has vowed to destroy Gaza’s rulers Hamas over the October 7 attacks that it says killed 1,200 people and saw 240 hostages taken.

In Gaza, at least 13,000 people, including 5,500 children, have been killed in Israel’s relentless aerial bombardment and ground operations, the Hamas government says.
China late Sunday announced the visit of the delegation of ministers, which also includes the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Beijing has said the goal of the talks will be to “promote a de-escalation of the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, protecting civilians, and justly resolving the Palestinian issue.”

“China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Muslim countries,” Wang told them.

“We have always firmly defended the legitimate rights and interests of Arab and Muslim countries, and have always firmly supported the Palestinian people’s efforts to restore their legitimate national rights and interests,” he said.