Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks on Sunday at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the pressing need to de-escalate tensions and prevent a humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip.

China supports Islamic countries in strengthening coordination on the Palestinian issue and speaking in one voice, Wang stated. He urged the international community to take action against any acts by either side that harm civilians. He emphasized that the United Nations (UN), especially the UN Security Council, should take responsibility and fulfill their due roles.

The exercise of the right to self-defense should comply with international law and international humanitarian law, including the protection of the safety of civilians and hostages, he added. Wang further stated that resorting to violence in response to violence will only cause more harm and exacerbate the crisis.

Wang underlined that the root cause of the escalation of the conflict is the long-term neglect of the Palestinian people's rights to survival, establishment of an independent state, or return.

China will continue to stand on the side of peace and justice, supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people in safeguarding their national rights, he concluded.

The Iranian foreign minister called for actions to stop attacks against civilians in Gaza and to de-escalate the humanitarian crisis there. He expressed Iran's hope to resolve the issue through political means and willingness to enhance communication with China toward that end.

(Cover: A bulldozer shifts the rubble of a building destroyed following an Israeli attack on the town of Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, October 15, 2023. /CFP)