Spokeswoman Mao Ning commented on the declarations of two recent regional meetings on the need to put an end to hostilities in the Middle East.

“The Saudi-African summit and the joint Arab-Islamic extraordinary summit have clearly called for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, increased humanitarian assistance and implementation of the two-state solution (which means recognizing Palestine as an independent state), which we welcome,” the spokeswoman stressed. Mao emphasized that China maintains intensive communication with the relevant parties as it works for the end of the war and calls for the restoration of peace.

In this regard, “China has a very consistent position with that of most developing countries, such as Arab, Islamic and African countries,” she said.

According to figures from the Palestinian authorities, the number of inhabitants of the Gaza Strip killed by Israeli bombardments in the enclave amounts to 11,180, of which 4,609 are children and 3,100 women.

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