China Accuses Israel of Exceeding Self-Defense Rights in Gaza Conflict

China, gradually positioning itself as a mediator in the Middle East, has accused the Israeli government of exceeding the bounds of self-defense in Gaza and urged it to stop its “collective punishment” of the territory’s inhabitants. This stance, the strongest China has taken on the ongoing conflict, was voiced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a call to his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Wang’s statement follows Israel’s preparation for a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza. China sees the need for an immediate return to the negotiating table to prevent further escalation of the situation. Wang also requested the convening of an international peace meeting to reach a broad consensus.

In the midst of this, over a million people in northern Gaza have been told to escape in anticipation of the forthcoming assault, a move anticipated to trigger a humanitarian crisis. The territory, densely crowded with 2.3 million residents, has undergone a crippling land, air, and sea blockade since 2006.

China has not explicitly named Hamas in their harsh condemnations of the violence. Zhai Jun, China's special envoy, is scheduled to visit the Middle East next week with the mission to coordinate a ceasefire and advance peace talks.

China’s involvement in the Middle East has grown over the past decade, not just economically but through its diplomatic activity. However, constraints in maneuvering exist due to its amicable relations with Israel in the technological sector.