China calls on Israel to halt Rafah onslaught
China called on Israel to cease its bellicose military operations in Gaza where almost 29,000 have been killed since October 7, the South China Morning Post reported.
The Chinese announcement on February 13 came shortly after the Middle Eastern state’s “rescue mission” in Rafah, the most southern city of Gaza, where around 70 Palestinians were killed amidst the freeing of two elderly Israeli-Argentinian captives.
Israel has plans for a full-on Rafah invasion much to the condemnation of the already-deeply concerned international community.
Rafah, which prior to Israel’s assault on the enclave consisted of 250,000 in habitants, is now home to around 1.5 million Palestinians.
READ: Israel frees two hostages in under-threat Rafah
In a short statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that, “China follows closely the developments in the Rafah area, opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians and violate international law.”
Since the start of Israel’s pummeling of Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that 30 hostages taken by Hamas had been killed. 250 were taken on October 7 and around 100 are still believed to be in the enclave.
The Foreign Ministry added that Israel must, “do everything possible to avoid casualties among innocent civilians and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Rafah”.
President Biden also voiced his concerns on the turmoil in Rafah, saying that no military operation should take place there without ensuring the safety of the now highly populated city’s civilians.
South China Morning Post
