China steps up efforts to prevent further escalation

China has stepped up diplomatic efforts amid the deteriorating Palestinian-Israeli conflict to avoid further escalation of tensions, as a special envoy will visit relevant countries in the Middle East soon.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, announced the decision on Friday at a news conference with the European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell in Beijing.

Wang, also China's foreign minister, said that the right way to resolve the conflict is to advance the "twostate solution" and resume peace talks as quickly as possible.

"The United Nations should play its due role in resolving the Palestinian issue," he said, adding that China will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Palestinians through UN channels.

On Thursday, Wang held a phone call with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief adviser to the presidency of Brazil. The South American country is currently holding presidency of the UN Security Council.

China is deeply saddened by the large casualties in the conflict, opposes acts that harm civilians and condemns violations of international law, Wang said, calling for all parties to practice restraint.

The most urgent priority is ensuring the safety of civilians and opening corridors for aid to avoid a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said.

The Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East issue, Wang said, adding that the crux of the issue is that the Palestinian people have not been treated with justice.

The solution lies in the early restoration of true peace talks and the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation, Wang said.

Wang said China calls for a more authoritative and influential international peace conference as soon as possible to push the international community to reach a broader consensus based on the "two-state solution", and formulate a timetable and road map for it.

Also on Thursday, Zhai Jun, China's special envoy on the Middle East issue, spoke to Israeli and Saudi Arabian officials over the phone.