China urges Israel to end West Bank settlement expansion and ease Gaza crisis

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to halt the "forced establishment" of West Bank settlements during a meeting on the sidelines of a conference. Wang expressed China's willingness to collaborate internationally to facilitate dialogue and a political resolution to the conflict. President Herzog stated their discussion covered bilateral relations and the Middle East situation, highlighting Israel's pursuit of peace alongside security concerns, particularly from Iran. The article also notes ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza, displacement, and food security issues, despite a ceasefire that began in October 2025 following a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Progress on the ceasefire deal has stalled, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Israel to halt and reverse the "forced establishment" of West Bank settlements. Speaking to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Azerbaijan, Wang described the Palestinian question as the "greatest historical injustice of this century." He emphasized that the two-state solution remains the correct path and stressed the immediate need to open Gaza's borders to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. China is willing to collaborate internationally to encourage dialogue and a political settlement. Wang's remarks come as China seeks to increase its influence in the Middle East, with President Xi Jinping previously calling for regional countries to oppose external interference and consider a new security order.