Crisis in Gaza: International Concerns Mount as China Criticizes Israel's Actions

   China has criticized Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, stating that they have surpassed the limits of self-defense. As the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raced through the Middle East to prevent a wider conflict, the situation remained tense with ongoing airstrikes and escalating casualties.

Following the Hamas militant group's severe assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 civilians, Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza, leading to a death toll of at least 2,670. The Israeli authorities also cut off essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and electricity, and instructed civilians to evacuate the northern region in anticipation of a ground assault to eliminate Hamas.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of Israel heeding the international community's call to halt the collective punishment of Gaza's people. He stressed that the right to self-defense must comply with international humanitarian law and not come at the expense of innocent civilian lives. These statements were made in conversations with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

As Secretary Blinken engaged in diplomatic efforts across multiple Middle Eastern nations, including Israel, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, there were concerns that the conflict could escalate further if Israel's blockade of Gaza persisted, as highlighted by Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi in a call with the French President Emmanuel Macron.

Blinken underscored Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas's attacks but emphasized that the approach taken must prioritize the preservation of human life and dignity, with every possible precaution taken to avoid harm to civilians. Egypt agreed to open its borders for humanitarian aid, starting on Monday morning, while Palestinians with foreign passports were permitted to exit Gaza through the southern border, bound for Cairo and onward destinations.

Recognizing the severity of the crisis, President Biden appointed former ambassador David Satterfield as the Special Envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues. Additionally, there were reports that President Biden was considering an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel as a show of solidarity during the ongoing conflict.