China has no self-interest in the Palestinian question and sincerely hopes it will be settled comprehensively, justly and lastingly on the basis of the two-state solution, and that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be resolved once and for all, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when she was asked whether Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that all countries had the right to self-defense means that Israel has the right to defend its national territory from Hamas attacks.

China's position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is very clear, said Mao, who noted that Wang spoke with both the Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers.

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Wang Yi says preventing Palestine-Israel conflict escalation imperative

Mao said that Wang had emphasized that all countries have the right to self-defense, but should abide by international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians. He also stressed that it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating further and from leading to a more serious humanitarian disaster.

(Cover: A Palestinian inspects the destruction caused by an Israeli strike in Gaza City, October 23, 2023. /CFP)