China condemns Israel’s Gaza occupation plan, calls for ceasefire

Saturday 09 August 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

China condemns Israel’s Gaza occupation plan, calls for ceasefire

China has sharply criticized Israel’s plans to place Gaza City under military control, labeling the territory “an integral part of the Palestinian homeland” and urging an immediate halt to the initiative.

Beijing urges restraint and peace

Speaking on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the proposed occupation a “dangerous move” and demanded Israel abandon the plan. “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people,” Lin stated, emphasizing Beijing’s long-standing support for a two-state solution. He also called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation.

China’s condemnation follows Israel’s announcement earlier in the day that its security cabinet had approved a plan to seize Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the goal was not to govern the territory permanently but to transfer control to “Arab forces that will govern it properly.”

International backlash grows

The plan has drawn widespread criticism from global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and representatives from France and the UK. Late last month, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, warned that any effort to forcibly change Gaza’s status “will not bring peace” and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

The United Nations has also condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Spokesperson Olga Cherevko described the situation as “a catastrophe of unthinkable proportions,” accusing Israeli forces of blocking food and essential supplies to civilians.

Escalating conflict and humanitarian toll

The conflict between Hamas and Israel, which erupted in October 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Following a surprise attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of 250 hostages, Israeli forces launched retaliatory strikes that, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, have resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians.

As the crisis deepens, international pressure is mounting on Israel to reconsider its Gaza occupation plan and focus on diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing violence.