Beijing: China on Monday warned that the Middle Eastern nations would be the 'first to suffer' if the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. Beijing 'is deeply concerned about Israel's attacks on Iran which cause abrupt escalation of military conflict,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a live-streamed news conference in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, the warning came amid the ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Iran, initiated by Tel Aviv last Friday. The Iranian Health Ministry reported that at least 224 people were killed and 900 others injured since the Israeli attacks started on Friday. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have said at least 13 people were killed and more than 370 others injured in Iranian missile attacks.

Chinese spokesman Guo also emphasized that 'force cannot bring lasting peace,' urging that all international disputes should be settled through dialogue. He stated that China will continue to communicate with all parties involved. Guo called for a "peaceful settlement" of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means and expressed China's willingness to maintain contact to promote a political settlement and create a better environment.

The latest escalation between Israel and Iran follows Israeli strikes on Friday targeting Iranian nuclear and missile facilities. These strikes resulted in the deaths of military commanders and scientists, prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missiles, causing Israeli casualties and property damage.