China And Arab Nations Calls For An Urgent Ceasefire In Gaza (image-twitter/KSAmofaEN)
A delegation of Arab nations and Muslim officials called for an immediate ceasefire in the devastated enclave of Gaza city on Monday during their visit in Beijing, the start of the delegation’s expected tour of several world capitals. China, during the meeting opposed forced displacement of Palestinians from the besieged Gaza, emphasizing that a cease-fire “should be implemented as a priority goal”.
The officials from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestinian authorities and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation met with their counterpart from China, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi along with Vice-President Han Zheng. The meeting chaired by Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia was held at the Great Hall of the people in the Capital, Beijing.
“We are here to send a clear signal: that is we must immediately stop the fighting and the killings, we must immediately deliver the humanitarian supplies to Gaza,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
While in the opening remark of the meeting, China expressed its stand regarding the ongoing issue and said that the international community must act immediately and added that Beijing stands with justice and fairness in this conflict.
Chinese Vice President also appreciated the high efforts of the joint Arab Islamic extraordinary summit in Riyadh and the resulting decisions aiming to reduce the escalation, protecting civilians and restoring peace efforts. China also noted that they are keen to coordinate and work with Arab and Islamic countries to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza strip.
In the meeting, the Arab leaders discussed about the developing situation in the Gaza enclave such as storming of Al Shifa hospital, the attack on Indonesian hospital and, relief and shelter centers in the Gaza strip.
The heavy bombardment and ground operation has been launched by Israel since October 7. As per CNN, the meeting in Beijing comes as to secure a deal to release hostages kept as captives by Hamas and several days of humanitarian pause in Gaza strip, following weeks of negotiations between United States, Israel and the militant group, mediated by Qatar.
The joint Islamic-Arab summit in Riyadh which was held this month has also urged the International Criminal to investigate “war crimes and crimes against humanity that Israel is committing” in the Palestinian city.
Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to Beijing Irit Ben-Abba told foreign reporters on Monday that she hoped there would not be “any statements from the visit about a ceasefire, now is not the right time”.
She added that Israel hoped that the delegation would talk about the immediate release of the hostages without preconditions and also would talk about the Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance, reports Reuters.
