Foreign and Military Affairs

China urges Israel to break blockade on Gaza

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-01 19:17

BEIJING - China on Tuesday urged Israel to remove blockade from Gaza at an early date, saying the situation in the Middle East is "at a crucial stage".

"We urge Israel to take effective steps to break the blockade on Gaza to avoid the Palestine-Israel peace talks and the situation in the region from being further interfered," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at a regular press conference.

China on Monday condemned Israel after its raid on an international flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Some countries in the Middle East and Latin America, as well as the United Nations also condemned Israel's act.

China urged Israel to take the relevant resolution of the UN Security Council to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, said Ma.

"China is willing to work with all relevant sides to play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East region," he said.

Israeli forces on Monday attacked the international convoy when trying to prevent it reaching Gaza, killing at least 10 and wounding more than 30 others, including Turkish activists on board.