CGTN: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip has led to heavy casualties on both sides. What’s China’s comment? 

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning: China is closely following the escalating conflict between Palestine and Israel. We’re deeply saddened by the civilian casualties and oppose and condemn acts that harm civilians. We oppose moves that escalate the conflict and destabilize the region and hope fighting will stop and peace will return soon. The international community needs to play an effective role to jointly help cool down the situation.

To end the cycle of conflict between Palestine and Israel, it is essential to restart the peace talks, implement the two-state solution and settle the Palestine question fully and properly through political means at an early date so as to take care of each party’s legitimate concerns. China will continue to work relentlessly with the international community towards this end.

CCTV: The scale of the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict has exceeded that of previous ones. Does the Foreign Ministry have information regarding the extent of its impact on Chinese nationals there and the local Chinese community? What help will China give them?

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning: The Foreign Ministry activated the emergency consular protection mechanism immediately after the conflict broke out to coordinate and engage in work on protecting Chinese nationals and institutions in Palestine and Israel. Our Embassy in Israel and Office to Palestine have issued emergency safety alerts. They are staying in contact with Chinese nationals on the ground and doing everything they can to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions there.

We remind Chinese nationals not to travel to Palestine or Israel and ask those already there to follow closely the security situation on the ground, take extra precaution, and avoid going outdoors. In case of emergencies, we urge them to contact the Chinese Embassy in Israel and the Office to Palestine for help.

Q: Fierce conflict has broken out between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip, causing massive casualties on both sides. Does China have any comment on this?

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: China is deeply concerned over the current escalation of tensions and violence between Palestine and Israel. We call on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and immediately end the hostilities to protect civilians and avoid further deterioration of the situation.

The recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot go on. The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine. The international community needs to act with greater urgency, step up input into the Palestine question, facilitate the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and find a way to bring about enduring peace. China will continue to work relentlessly with the international community towards that end.