China: Tensions In The Red Sea As A Result Of The Continued Gaza Conflict

JAKARTA - While expressing concern over the attack on commercial ships in the Red Sea, China attributed the ongoing tension on the busy sea route to the war in Gaza.

"The current tension in the Red Sea is a manifestation of the continued impact of the conflict in Gaza," said Gang Ambassador Shuang at a UN Security Council briefing on the Red Sea.

"By achieving an early ceasefire in Gaza and easing the humanitarian crisis on the ground, we can prevent further escalation in the Red Sea and prevent other regions in the Middle East from engaging in conflict and war," Geng, China's permanent deputy representative at the United Nations.

He said Beijing was "committed to cooperate with all parties in making relentless efforts to push for deescalation in the Red Sea, the political settlement of Yemen's problems, the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, and peace and long-term stability in the Middle East."

Yemen's Houthi rebels have significantly increased their involvement in the conflict between Israel-Palestinian in the Gaza Strip by targeting ships sailing in the South Red Sea.

The group warned they would attack all ships bound for Israel. They said the attack was to support Palestine as they faced "aggression and siege" by Israel in Gaza.

At least 22,313 Palestinians have since been killed and 57,296 others injured, according to Gaza health authorities, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have died in Hamas attacks.

The Red Sea is one of the most frequently used sea routes in the world for oil and fuel shipments.

Without mentioning the Houthis, the Gang told the United Nations: "We call on the relevant parties to stop attacking civilian ships and respect and protect the freedom of navigation of all countries in the Red Sea."

The Chinese diplomat noted "the Yemeni issue is at a critical point," reads the transcript of the Gang's statement on the Security Council.

"The tension in the Red Sea has posed new challenges to the political process in Yemen," he said, as he called on all relevant parties in the conflict-harmed country "to remain calm, hold back, commit to dialogue and consult, and encourage political settlement."