Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun on Thursday had a phone call with Rafi Harpaz, the deputy director general in charge of Asia-Pacific affairs of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Palestine-Israel situation, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China calls for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine and stands ready to work with the international community to promote a ceasefire and actively advance talks for peace, Zhai said.

Harpaz explained to Zhai Israel's perspective and stance on the current situation, promising that the Israeli side will ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Israel.

(Cover: Israeli troops and artillery gather on the border with the Gaza Strip, October 12, 2023. /CFP)