China calls for restraint in Israel-Iran tensions, urges for permanent ceasefire in Gaza

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged all parties involved in the tensions between Israel and Iran to exercise caution and prevent further escalation during a phone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday.

Wang Yi emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of personnel from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Katz said that during the call he had ”clarified that Iran is the primary source for undermining stability in the Middle East” and said that Iran poses a direct threat through its proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

Katz said he had expected that China would express ”a balanced and fair position in relation to the war”, citing the economic cooperation ties between the two countries ”and the fact that approximately 20,000 workers from China continue to work in Israel during the…war.”

With inputs from agencies.