China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, on 13 February, gave a formal condemnation of the Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians in Rafah and called on Tel Aviv to halt its military operations.
“China is closely watching the developments in Rafah,” the spokesperson read. “We oppose and condemn acts against civilians and international law. We call on Israel to stop military operations as soon as possible, do everything possible to avoid casualties among innocent civilians, and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Rafah.”
Israel is planning to carry out a ground operation in Rafah where over 1 million Palestinians have been internally displaced, with thousands seeking shelter in public squares and make-shift tents.
On Monday, Israel launched a series of over 40 airstrikes on Rafah that killed over 100 people and injured hundreds more. The onslaught, carried out by the Israeli air force, navy, and other artillery, inflicted devastation on displaced Palestinians in the region.
“The Nazi occupation army’s attack on the city of Rafah tonight … which [has] claimed the lives of more than a hundred martyrs so far, is considered a continuation of the genocidal war and the attempts at forced displacement it is waging against our Palestinian people,” Hamas said in a statement.
Israel alleges the presence of four Hamas brigades in Rafah, which serves as the pretext for its air attacks and imminent ground invasion.
A ground operation by the Israelis into Rafah has come under international condemnation, with Australia and Japan voicing their concerns on Monday.
“153 countries, including Australia, have already called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said via social media, adding that many of Israel’s allies are worried about a military operation into Rafah, saying that it would have “devastating consequences for civilians.”
Japan voiced deep concerns about the situation, noting that Rafah is an “important location for the delivery of humanitarian supplies.”
Since 7 October, Israeli aggression against Palestinians has left up to 30,000 Palestinians dead – most of whom are women and children – and over 67,000 injured.