China: Steps Toward Peace In Gaza Are Small, But Worth Trying

JAKARTA - China believes that the steps towards peace in the Gaza Strip are still small, but deserve positive encouragement.

"Even if the steps towards peace are still small, they still deserve positive encouragement. Difficulties in protecting civilians must be overcome," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin  as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, November 27.

Since Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group agreed to a ceasefire starting November 24, he said, the two parties have released hostages three times.

During the first three days of the break, Hamas released 40 Israelis and 18 foreigners, while Israel freed 117 Palestinians.

Israel also temporarily halted its attacks on the Gaza Strip during a four-day humanitarian pause, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US.

Previously, Israel launched a major military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7 2023.

The fighting has killed at least 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women, while Israel recorded 1,200 casualties.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will chair a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council in New York regarding the Palestine-Israel issue on Wednesday (29/11).

China currently serves as president of the UN Security Council.

"China is committed to taking concrete action and making due contributions," said Wang Wenbin.