Beijing: China on Friday called on Israel to stop expanding illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, warning that any such move would further destabilize the region. 'The conflict was just paused in Gaza and the situation is still way too fragile,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.
According to Anadolu Agency, Guo Jiakun emphasized that Israel should refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or worsen the situation, when asked about potential Chinese sanctions against Israeli settlers. He pointed to the UN Security Council's stance, which clearly states that settlement activities contravene international law, and reiterated China's opposition to actions that harm civilians or target civilian facilities.
Guo highlighted China's consistent opposition to Israel's establishment of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. As the US-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza comes into effect, following extensive negotiations in Egypt, Guo reiterated China's call for a 'full and permanent ceasefire' to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and reduce regional tensions in the Middle East.
Guo further stated that China aligns itself with justice, fairness, and international law, advocating for Palestinians to govern their own territory. He expressed China's readiness to collaborate with the international community to work towards a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and to promote peace and stability in the region.
The ceasefire plan, unveiled by US President Donald Trump on September 29, includes a 20-point proposal for Gaza. It covers the release of Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
The plan's second phase involves establishing a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas' involvement, forming a security force composed of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and disarming Hamas. Additionally, it envisions funding from Arab and Islamic nations for Gaza's reconstruction and new administration, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority.
While many Arab and Muslim nations have welcomed the plan, several officials have noted that key details still require discussion and negotiation before implementation.