China 'deeply saddened' by civilian casualties

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that China is “deeply saddened by the civilian casualties caused by the conflict between Palestine and Israel”.

“China opposes and condemns acts that harm civilians,” along with actions that “expand conflict and undermine regional stability,” Mao said at a daily afternoon press briefing.

China hopes for a resumption of peace talks, implementation of a two-state solution, and a “comprehensive and proper settlement of the Palestinian issue, which guarantees the legitimate concerns of all parties, through political means, as early as possible,” Mao said.

Meanwhile, China's embassy in Israel said a young woman of mixed Israeli-Chinese heritage was among the scores of hostages seized by Hamas fighters who killed at least 800 in Israel.