China Asks Israel To Stop Taking Over Gaza

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists its country refuses and asks Israel to immediately stop its plans to take over Gaza City.

"China is deeply concerned about Israel's decision, and urges Israel to immediately stop the dangerous move. Gaza City belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of the Palestinian territories," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in a written statement in Beijing, Friday, August 8.

Earlier, Israel's chief authority Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army (IDF) was preparing to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian aid to civilians outside the combat zone.

Upon the plan, the Israeli cabinet also gave approval and agreed to five main principles to end the war.

The fifth is to dismantle the Palestinian Hamas group, ensure the repatriation of all hostages, both alive and dead, strip the Gaza Strip, guarantee Israel's control of security over the region, and form civilian governments that are not led by either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

"The right way to defuse the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and realize the release of those detained is an immediate ceasefire, and the key to resolving the conflict in Gaza entirely is a ceasefire," said Guo Jiakun.

China, Guo Jiakun said, is ready to work closely with other international communities to stop fighting in Gaza as early as possible, easing a humanitarian catastrophe.

"Applied a two-state solution, and ultimately realized full, fair, and long-lasting peace over the Palestinian issue. This is the only way to pave the way for the end of conflict and uphold security in the region," said Guo Jiakun.

A senior Israeli official also told the media that the military would in the early stages target "major terrorist bases in the city" which would later be expanded to include refugee camps in the central region.

The entire operation is expected to last for at least six months.

As for the plan of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, that the Indonesian government will provide medical assistance to around 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza on Galang Island, Riau Islands province, Guo Jiakun said fighting in Gaza had caused a serious humanitarian disaster.

"The urgent priority is to realize a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza immediately and ensure access to humanitarian aid," said Guo Jiakun.

Guo Jiakun said China is ready to make active efforts with the international community to play a bigger role in the Palestinian issue.

"China will work together to encourage a complete, fair and sustainable resolution of the Palestinian issue as soon as possible," Guo Jiakun said.