China firmly opposes any actions that violate Lebanon's sovereignty and security, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Thursday.
Lin made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing when responding to the explosions of communication devices across Lebanon.
The death toll in explosions of communication devices across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday rose to 37, with thousands of injuries, said the Lebanese Health Ministry on Thursday.
"China follows closely the relevant incidents, opposes any actions violating Lebanon's sovereignty and security, and is concerned over the potential escalation of regional tensions due to the incidents. China calls on all parties concerned to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East," said Lin.
On Tuesday, pager batteries used by Hezbollah members were allegedly targeted by the Israeli military. One day later, walkie-talkies used by them also blew up in areas seen as Hezbollah’s strongholds.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hezbollah accused Israel of being "fully responsible for the criminal aggression that also targeted civilians," threatening to retaliate.
China firmly opposes any actions violating Lebanon's sovereignty, security
The intensifying Israeli attacks have forced more people to flee from Lebanon to Syria in search of safety shelters to escape Israeli bombardments by tortuously passing through the blocked roads and highways. The deteriorating situation in Lebanon has forced residents to seek refuge in the neighboring country and beyond.
"The situation in southern Lebanon is horrible. Many places have been severely destroyed and are no longer suitable for living. I am bringing my kids to flee from bombings," said Mohammad, a refugee from Lebanon, who is fleeing from his hometown to Syria, and then Iraq. A Friday Israeli airstrike targeting spots near the Lebanon-Syria border has further obstructed the journey, cutting multiple main roads toward the neighboring country, leaving large craters that refugees must navigate through on foot. Syria Arab Red Crescent, UNHCR, and other NGOs have been gathering around the border to offer support. "The road here was destroyed, and we can only walk through," said Mohammad. According to Syrian media, around 91,000 Lebanon refugees have fled to Syria, with around 3,000 Lebanese managed to cross the border on Monday despite the border airstrike.
While Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets near the border, the aftermath hindered not only the flow of refugees, but the delivery of humanitarian aid, blocking medical and emergency supplies outside.
Massive Lebanese refugees flee to Syria to escape Israeli bombardments
