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Foreign ministers

China Offers to Facilitate Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

China's foreign minister, Qin Gang, has made separate phone calls to Israeli and Palestinian officials, expressing the country's concern over intensifying tensions between the two sides and its support for a resumption of peace talks. Qin acknowledged the difficulties in resolving the century-old conflict but emphasized the importance of maintaining a dialogue. This move comes after China's successful mediation in the Saudi-Iran deal, which restored diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • China is willing to provide facilitation for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, with Foreign Minister Qin Gang expressing the country's concern over the intensifying tensions between the two sides.
  • Qin Gang told Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that Beijing encourages Israel and the Palestinians to show "political courage" and take steps to resume peace talks, and that China is willing to provide convenience for this.
  • The last substantive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians took place over a decade ago, and the current government in Israel is committed to expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, which most of the international community considers illegal and an obstacle to peace.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is also opposed to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, which has contributed to the stalemate in the peace process.
  • China has recently demonstrated its ability to facilitate diplomacy in the Middle East through the Saudi-Iran deal, which restored diplomatic ties between the two nations after they were cut off in 2016.
  • The recent violence in Israel and the West Bank has increased, touched off by an Israeli police raid on Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, the compound home to the Al-Aqsa mosque.
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin confirmed Qin's outreach to the two officials, stating that "it is never too late to do the right thing."
  • Israel's Foreign Ministry said that Qin and Cohen discussed "the importance of maintaining quiet" at the Temple Mount during the final days of Ramadan, but made no mention of peace talks with the Palestinians.

Statistics:

  • Over a decade has passed since the last substantive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians took place.
  • The Saudi-Iran deal was reached in China, restoring diplomatic ties between the two nations after they were cut off in 2016.
  • Violence in Israel and the West Bank has increased this month, touched off by an Israeli police raid on Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site, the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • Statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry
  • Israeli Foreign Ministry statement
  • Associated Press report by Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem

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