BEIJING, Aug 2 – China firmly opposes and condemns the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and is deeply concerned that the incident may plunge the region into greater turmoil, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the impact of the killing of Haniyeh on the Chinese peace effort in the Middle East and on the recently signed Beijing Declaration mediated by China.
Lin said there should be no more escalation of the conflict and called for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.
“China commends Palestinian factions for their effort on the Beijing Declaration, and looks forward to the day when Palestinian factions achieve reconciliation and, on that basis, realize independent statehood as early as possible,” Lin said.
