China said Tuesday it was gravely concerned at the situation in the Middle East and it called on both Israel and the Palestinians to end the violence.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao also said Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdel Meguid would visit China between November 1 and 5 to brief Beijing on the results of the weekend Arab summit.
"The Israel-Palestine conflict continues to aggravate, and China expresses grave concern and unease over this situation," Zhu told a regular news briefing.
"It's our view that the present task at the moment is for the parties concerned to take measures to stop the violent conflict so as to avoid further aggravation of the situation," he said.
Zhu also called on both sides not to do or say anything to inflame the situation, adding that China hoped the two sides could return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
More than 130 people, the vast majority Palestinians, have been killed in nearly four weeks of clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli military.
In response to the weekend Arab summit, after which several Arab countries broke off relations with the Jewish state, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced a freeze in the peace process.
Zhu said the Arab League chief would be hosted by Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, and would brief the Chinese government about the results of the Arab summit – BEIJING (AFP)
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