China Urges UN to Act on Israel-Palestinian Conflict

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.
The
most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza
and seven in Israel since Monday.
On
Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia,
Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United
States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel.
An
earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint
statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said.
"China expresses a high degree of concern
regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said
foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft
and circulate a statement on behalf of the body.
"However, due to the obstruction of individual
countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua, AFP reported.
"The Security Council should take action,
reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution."
One
of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating
presidency this month.
Beijing
is often criticized by the United States for vetoing Security Council
statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in
Myanmar.
Friday's
expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the
Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions.