China supports efforts for 'permanent and comprehensive' Gaza cease-fire

ANKARA

China on Wednesday said it supports all efforts that contribute to a "permanent and comprehensive" cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed nearly 40,000 people since October last year.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing has been calling for international efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza "as soon as possible" and prevent further spillover, state-run Xinhua News reported.

He made the remarks at a press conference when asked whether China has had any outreach to Hamas or others over the group's decision not to take part in fresh cease-fire talks.

China, he added, is playing an "active" role in easing regional tensions.

"We support all efforts that contribute to a permanent and comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza, and will work with the international community to de-escalate the situation," Lin further said.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian group Hamas.

Over 10 months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.