‘Halt the fighting’: China and Arab nations renew call for ceasefire in Gaza

China has reiterated its call for an immediate halt to the conflict in Gaza, urging Israel to cease what it calls 'collective punishment' of the civilians caught in the war zone. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the urgency of implementing United Nations resolutions to stop the violence, stating that it's a critical situation for the people in Gaza. He also called for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to prevent further disaster. nnThe Israeli government has defended its military actions as self-defense after an attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. However, China has expressed opposition to the displacement of Palestinian civilians and is advocating for the cessation of punitive measures against them. During a meeting with officials from Arab and Muslim-majority nations, the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid was strongly voiced. nnChina's stance on the conflict includes a commitment to working with Arab and Muslim countries to achieve a ceasefire and to support the Palestinian cause. They have consistently supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state as part of a 'two-state solution' and have called for the protection of Palestinian rights. Despite the high number of casualties reported in Gaza, China has not condemned Hamas' actions. They are seeking to engage with various regional and global powers to find a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.