Israel-Gaza war: China and Arab states condemn ‘continued aggression’ in Gaza, urge support for Palestinian statehood

Joint statement also calls for early ceasefire in Gaza, saying Palestinians have been ‘detained and abused’

Joint statement comes as top Chinese officials hold talks with Arab leaders following cooperation forum in Beijing

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A person is seen at the site of an Israeli strike on a camp for displaced people in Rafah in Gaza on Monday where dozens were killed and others injured a day earlier in an Israeli bombing. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:00pm, 31 May 2024Updated: 6:04pm, 31 May 2024

China and Arab states have slammed Israel’s “continued aggression” against Palestine, including its attack on Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, while urging more countries to formally recognise Palestinian statehood.

In a 21-point statement issued during meetings in Beijing, the two sides called for greater efforts to promote an “early ceasefire” and a “comprehensive, just and lasting” solution to the Palestine issue.

“The Palestinian people in the Gaza strip are forced to suffer deadly famine and blockades, cutting off all livelihoods,” the statement, published by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

It added that thousands of Palestinians have been “detained and abused” and “both sides condemn Israel’s continued aggression against the Palestinian people”.

The invasion of Rafah also drew condemnation from China and Arab countries.

Earlier this week, Israeli air strikes on a camp housing displaced Palestinians killed at least 45 people, drawing sharp criticism from countries and human rights organisations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the air strike a “tragic mistake”.