BEIJING (dpa): China, New Zealand and Australia added their voices to calls for an end to the violence between Israel and Palestinian Territories on Sunday.
The Palestinian extremist organization Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on Saturday, with hundreds said to have been killed on both sides in the ensuing fighting.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it was deeply concerned about the violence “and calls on all parties concerned to exercise calm and restraint, cease fire immediately, protect civilians and prevent further deterioration of the situation.”
China called for the long-discussed two-state solution, as well as the “establishment of an independent Palestinian State.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins expressed “grave concern” about the escalation in violence.
“New Zealand condemns unequivocally the terror attacks led by Hamas on Israel. We are appalled by the targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages which violate fundamental international humanitarian law principles,” Hipkins said.
“We are very concerned that the situation will escalate in the coming days and New Zealand again calls for restraint, the protection of non-combatants, and the upholding of international humanitarian law by all parties.”
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his country “stands with our friend Israel in this time.”
“We condemn the indiscriminate and abhorrent attacks by Hamas on Israel, its cities and civilians,” he wrote.
“We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.” – dpa
Source : The Star