China calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-08 20:31

BEIJING - Israel and Hamas should agree to a ceasefire immediately and mitigate the humanitarian crisis, Sun Bigan, China's special envoy on the Middle East issue, told reporters Thursday.

Voicing deep concern over ongoing turbulence in the region, Sun said achieving an immediate ceasefire was urgent. Israel should stop military operations in Gaza immediately and Hamas should stop firing rockets at Israel.

"If the two sides cease fire, the situation will not deteriorate, more lives will not be harmed and the necessary conditions for a political solution can be created," Sun said.

He also suggested that on the basis of a ceasefire and humanitarian crisis mitigation, all sides should find ways to achieve a durable ceasefire, supervisory mechanism and humanitarian aid, so as to create a sustainable, stable situation.

Since Israel launched large-scale military operations on December 27, the conflict in the Gaza Strip has resulted in heavy casualties and material losses, especially the death of civilians.

About 700 people have been killed and some 3,000 others wounded in Gaza during the 13-day conflict and the death toll is expected to rise. Ten Israelis have been killed so far, including six soldiers.

"China is deeply concerned over the intense situation and turbulence in the region, as well as the humanitarian crisis. China regrets the heavy civilian casualties and strongly condemns the acts that lead to such a situation," Sun said.

"As China's special envoy to the region, I have paid close attention to the situation and communicated with all relevant sides. It is extremely urgent to stop the military operations and conflicts to prevent civilian casualties," he said.

Sun urged the international community and relevant sides to strengthen coordination and establish stable channels to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza as soon as possible.

He also urged the parties involved to heed the appeals of the international community and make acceptable arrangements on border security, open crossings to Gaza, end blockades and achieve a durable ceasefire, in a bid to stabilize the situation.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting but failed to reach an accord.

After talks with visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Moubarak on Tuesday announced a proposal for an immediate truce in Gaza, which called for the opening of safe corridors for relief supplies into Gaza, and invited Israelis and Palestinians to meet urgently to discuss the prevention of a resumption of violence.

Israeli spokesman Mark Regev said Israel could accept the offer if it would stop "hostile fire" from Gaza. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also expressed his support for the plan. Osama Hamdan, a Hamas representative in Lebanon, said the organization is considering the proposal.

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