China Warns for Gaza: Beijing says Israeli ‘Takeover’ Plan Risks Igniting Another Horrific Middle East Chapter (Updated)
In an editorial published on Monday, China Daily called on Israel to halt its military operations, comply fully with international humanitarian law, restore access to aid, and support UN agencies on the ground. The piece argued that only a political path grounded in a two-state solution can bring an end to the cycle of violence.
Israel’s security cabinet last week approved a plan that officials say aims to take complete control of Gaza City, relocate an estimated one million residents to the south, and seize refugee camps in central Gaza and areas where hostages are believed to be held. At a UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, Israel’s delegate denied that the government intends to permanently occupy Gaza, though the claim drew skepticism from multiple parties.
Reports indicate the Israel Defense Forces would first surround Gaza for about three months, followed by roughly two months to seize Gaza City and central camps and clear Palestinian armed groups.
European Council President Antonio Costa urged the Israeli government to reconsider, saying that a takeover—combined with widespread destruction in Gaza, continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, restrictions on aid, and the weaponization of hunger—undermines international law and universal values.
Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv and other cities over the weekend, calling for a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal. UN officials have warned that pressing ahead with a full takeover risks “igniting another horrific chapter” in the conflict.
More than 61,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including over 18,000 children, and 151,000 have been injured, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Dozens of hostages are believed to remain in the enclave.
The editorial, echoing recent remarks by Chinese officials, says there will be no sustainable solution without ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and realizing a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state. It urges the international community to redouble efforts to revive negotiations and oppose unilateral steps that undermine the process.
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong told the Security Council that China stands ready to work with partners to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, and implement the two-state solution to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.
* We have added the link to the original text that was missing in the first edition of this news article.
Photo: Generated by Gemini AI.