Call Israel And Palestine, Foreign Minister Qin Gang Says China Is Ready To Play A Constructive Role For Peace In The Area

JAKARTA - China is deeply concerned about the increasing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supports both sides to resume peace talks as quickly as possible, Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on Monday.

In a separate phone call with partners from Israel and Palestine, Foreign Minister Qin said China was willing to play a constructive role in promoting peace in the region, according to a statement posted by China's Foreign Ministry.

Earlier in April, amid violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians who barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said, "China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the recent Palestinian-Israeli conflict."

"We ask all parties, especially Israel, to show calm and restraint and immediately stop all words and actions that could escalate tensions," the spokesperson said, citing i24 News.

Separately, China recently mediated the restoration of historic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The two countries that cut ties in 2016 plan to reopen the embassy before May 9.

US-brokered peace talks aimed at establishing Palestinian states in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip - territory Israel captured in the 1967 war - have stalled for nearly a decade and have not shown any signs of continuing.