China sends humanitarian aid to Gaza, calls for more int'l support: spokesman

China

China sends humanitarian aid to Gaza, calls for more int'l support: spokesman

2025-02-19 16:12 Last Updated At：21:07

China is sending 60,000 food parcels to the Gaza Strip via Jordan to ease the enclave's dire humanitarian situation, and calls for sustained attention and increased support from the international community, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday.

Asked to comment on the upcoming second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement at a press conference in Beijing, spokesman Guo Jiakun quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent remarks at the UN headquarters, stressing the importance of the two-state solution. "As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the Gaza conflict should not be sidelined and requires adequate international attention. China believes that the pressing priority is to encourage parties involved to implement the ceasefire agreement in a continued and effective manner and advance the following negotiations with a constructive attitude," said Guo.

"It is important to uphold the principle of “the Palestinians governing Palestine” in the post-conflict governance of Gaza and let the Palestinian people rebuild their homes on their own territory. In the long run, the ultimate solution to the Palestinian question lies in returning to the right track of the two-State solution and realizing the peaceful coexistence and common development of Palestine and Israel," he added.

"Meanwhile, the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza also needs greater and continuous attention and support from the international community. Recently, the Chinese government has provided Gaza with humanitarian emergency aid, consisting of 60,000 food parcels, which will be transported from Jordan. The initial shipment, which includes about 12,000 food parcels, was sent out. As a responsible major country, China will continue to work with the international community to make relentless efforts for the deescalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the lasting peace and security in the Middle East," said the spokesman.

The humanitarian assistance provided by China will be transported from Jordan to Gaza via land borders.

The initial shipment will be handed over to the World Food Programme, the Palestine Red Crescent, and other relevant organizations upon arrival in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister said Tuesday that Israel would begin "this week" negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.