According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on 4 April, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang had telephone calls with Palestinian Foreign Minister Maliki and Israeli Foreign Minister Kohen.
Foreign Minister Pakistan: I highly appreciate China's clear position
During a telephone conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Maliki, Qin Gang said that China is highly concerned about the recent intensification of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the escalation of tension, and has promoted the Security Council to hold consultations and communicate closely with the international community to try to cool down the situation. China strongly condemns words and deeds that violate relevant United Nations resolutions, supports Palestine and Israel in resuming peace talks as soon as possible on the basis of the two-State solution, and is willing to play a positive role in that regard.
Maliki expressed his high appreciation for China's clear position on the Palestinian issue, thanked China for supporting the self-determination of the Palestinian nation and the establishment of an independent state, and welcomed all efforts made by China. We appreciate China's promotion of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which reflects China's role as a responsible major country. Qin Gang stressed that China has always supported the strategic autonomy of Middle East countries, taken the destiny of the country into its own hands, and is willing to continue to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.
The two sides agreed to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote cooperation in various fields, and push the traditional friendly relations between the two countries to a new level. The Pakistani side expressed firm support for the one-China principle and opposed interference by external forces in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.
Foreign Minister: Thank you for China's willingness to provide support for the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
During a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen, Qin Gang said that China is worried about the current Israeli-Palestinian tension, and the top priority is to control the situation and prevent the conflict from intensifying or even getting out of control. All parties should remain calm and exercise restraint and stop excesses and provocative words and deeds. The fundamental way out is to resume peace talks and implement the "two-state solution." It's never too late to do the right thing. China encourages Israel and Palestine to show political courage and take steps towards resuming peace talks. President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Security Initiative, and we believe that the key to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue lies in upholding the concept of common security. China has no selfish interests on this issue and only hopes that Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully and maintain regional peace and stability.
Cohen expressed gratitude to China for its willingness to provide support for the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel is committed to de-escalating the situation, but this issue seems difficult to resolve in the short term. Israel attaches importance to China's influence, attaches great importance to the Iranian nuclear issue, and expects China to play an active role.
Qin Gang stressed that Saudi Arabia and Iran recently resumed diplomatic relations through dialogue, setting an example for resolving differences through dialogue. It is hoped that all parties will seize the favorable opportunity to promote dialogue and reconciliation, implement the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, and maintain peace and tranquillity in the Middle East.
Both sides expressed the importance attached to bilateral relations. Qin Gang expressed his willingness to strengthen exchanges at all levels with Israel, enhance political mutual trust and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Cohen said that he looks forward to the full restoration of cooperation in humanities, tourism and other fields after the epidemic, and is willing to work closely with China to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict heats up
Since 2023, the Palestinian-Israeli situation has continued to be tense. The Israeli side has repeatedly clashed bloody clashes with Palestinians during its search and arrest missions in the West Bank.
Recently, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has further escalated.
In the early hours of 4 April and late at night, Israeli police clashed with Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, injuring dozens of people. Several neighboring countries and the League of Arab States condemned this.
From the night of the 6th to the early morning of the 7th, the Israeli army launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon in retaliation for the rocket attacks fired at Israel from southern Lebanon earlier on the 6th.
Israel identified the rockets as being fired by Palestinian forces in Lebanon and vowed to make the other side pay a "heavy price", raising fears of further escalation and spillover of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
On the evening of the 8th, the Israel Defense Forces said that three rockets were fired from the Syrian direction towards the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; In the early morning of the 3th, three more rockets were fired from Syria towards the Golan Heights. On the 9th, the Israeli army retaliated with artillery attacks on the Syrian area where rockets were fired and launched drone attacks.
On the 11th, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians near the West Bank city of Nablus, killing two Palestinians and wounding another.
According to Palestinian media, 2023 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since 98.