Xi Jinping expresses desire for peace conference in Gaza to Arab nations

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a peace conference to address the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The call for peace comes as Israel’s military announced the seizure of a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt in an effort to cut off smuggling tunnels and destroy Hamas.

The war, now in its eighth month, has seen intense fighting and casualties on both sides. Chinese President Xi Jinping made the call for peace during an address to Arab leaders and diplomats at a forum in Beijing. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with various world leaders weighing in on the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas to implement necessary reforms, offering the prospect of recognition of the state of Palestine. The United States has expressed caution regarding a new UN resolution on the war in Gaza, with its deputy ambassador stating concerns about the proposed ceasefire and release of hostages.

Street fighting and Israeli bombardment have rocked Gaza’s far-southern Rafah, with reports of casualties and destruction in the area. The United Nations has warned of a potential famine in Gaza, as the amount of humanitarian aid entering the enclave has dropped significantly since the start of Israel’s military operation.

Casualty figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry paint a grim picture of the toll the war has taken on the Palestinian population. At least 36,171 Palestinians have been killed and 81,420 wounded in the conflict, according to official figures. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposal for a peace conference offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic solution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As the war in Gaza rages on, the world watches and waits for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering and devastation in the region.