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International diplomacy crucial for urgent ceasefire

Moulik Jahan
Destroyed buildings are seen in the Gaza Strip, November 20, 2023. /CFP
Destroyed buildings are seen in the Gaza Strip, November 20, 2023. /CFP

Destroyed buildings are seen in the Gaza Strip, November 20, 2023. /CFP

Editor's note: Moulik Jahan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a strategic and security affairs analyst. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Proactive international diplomacy is desperately needed, as shown by the continuous humanitarian disasters in Gaza brought on by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. These kinds of international diplomacy will surely exert pressure on Israel, help to facilitate a quick ceasefire, and advance humanitarian relief in order to avert a more serious humanitarian catastrophe. In keeping with this, a delegation of foreign ministers from the Arab-Islamic worlds is in China from November 20 to 21 in an attempt to resurrect international diplomacy in support of an immediate ceasefire to the crisis.

The tour will be the first action taken to implement the decisions made at the last Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh. To end the situation, Arab-Islamic nations need to cooperate with China and the rest of the international community. The ministers will follow up with other capitals in an effort to encourage the admission of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and a quick ceasefire. Nonetheless, this international diplomacy aims to foster shared comprehension and agreement among the nations to help bring an end to the conflict. As of November 19, over 14,400 people have died in the conflict, with the majority being civilians, including a sizable number of children.

Regarding the possibility of a thorough and equitable settlement to the Palestine-Israel crisis, China's recent attempts to keep up collaboration with certain Arab nations on the matter can make sense. China has been actively involved in de-escalation since the current Palestine-Israel conflict erupted. It has worked with the international community to spare efforts to put a stop to the violence, protect civilian lives, and provide humanitarian relief.

In an attempt to defuse the situation and lessen tensions, the Chinese government's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has been visiting nonstop to Middle Eastern nations recently. He supported the two-state solution as the only workable way out of the current conflict, joining the rest of the world in demanding an end to suffering and the pursuit of enduring peace.

The readiness of foreign ministers from Arab-Islamic countries to collaborate with China in order to advance peace and stability in the region speaks volumes about how international diplomacy is needed. Fostering meaningful engagement in the Middle East requires China's approach, which is characterized by a balance between pragmatism and values. China took a practical stance, joining the majority of nations in their fundamental agreement to enhance humanitarian assistance and avert humanitarian catastrophes.

The delegates who are seeking Chinese cooperation may be able to start a productive conversation. A just settlement depends on China's strategy, which is distinguished by non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of other countries. China's backing for the two-state solution is a welcome contribution to the global consensus, and the solution is still a feasible possibility. China has already made a name for itself in Middle East issues by diplomatically mediating disagreements between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

A scene of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11, 2023. /Xinhua
A scene of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11, 2023. /Xinhua

A scene of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11, 2023. /Xinhua

The leadership of China is adamantly in favor of an early cessation of hostilities and the proactive involvement of the international community in order to prevent this war from intensifying further. Since the beginning of the crisis, it has emphasized how urgent it is to stop this terrible conflict from continuing and maybe spreading.

As the Security Council's rotating president this month, China took the initiative to help the UNSC approve a resolution on November 15, which called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza. Furthermore, on October 27, the UNGA adopted a resolution that called for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce. China backed this resolution as well. All these developments and events demonstrated China's resolute support for the necessity of international diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the Palestine-Israel conflict in accordance with UN resolutions and international law.

Engaging in meaningful discourse with the Chinese leadership is not only vital but also strategically and diplomatically necessary. A commitment to peaceful cohabitation based on respect and understanding between the two parties is necessary for a long-term resolution of the Palestine-Israel issue. Instead of isolating itself by hostile acts, Israel ought to actively look for opportunities for cooperation and coordination.

In addition, the international community has to understand that international diplomacy is a call to action as well as a forum for discourse. A proactive role is desperately needed to put an end to the carnage in Gaza and deal with the crisis. The world community's stated commitment to upholding ideals of justice, humanity, and peace must be fulfilled.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)

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