China-Russia Become the Foundation of Hope for Peace in Gaza

The OIC delegation visited China and Russia to stop the Gaza tragedy. Violations of international law continue to occur.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in China-Rusia Jadi Tumpuan Harapan Perdamaian Gaza

AP/ANDY WONG

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (center background) stood alongside his colleagues, from left to right, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha and his delegation as they posed for a photograph prior to their meeting at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China on Monday (20/11/2023).

BEIJING, MONDAY — China is willing to collaborate with members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for peace between Israel and Palestine. Beijing will be involved in efforts to end the Gaza war, protect civilians, expand humanitarian aid, and prevent humanitarian disasters.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing is attempting to facilitate the return of Israel-Palestine to the "two-state solution" and resolve the Palestinian issue as soon as possible. China has consistently supported the restoration of the lawful rights and interests of the Palestinian people. "This year is important to China as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Palestine," he said on Monday (November 20, 2023), in Beijing.

He conveyed this when receiving a delegation of representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The delegation consisted of Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.

Also read: Gaza Waits for Real Action from Indonesia and OIC Members

The foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) went to China to garner support for the implementation of a ceasefire and acceleration of humanitarian aid supplies in Gaza. Support is mainly sought from the permanent member countries of the United Nations Security Council. The visit to China follows the Extraordinary OIC-Arab League Summit Resolution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2023.

Wang stated that the arrival of the foreign ministers proves the increasing geopolitical influence of China in the international community. China has become the first target of the OIC's efforts to rally support for mediating Israel-Palestine. The visit reflects the good tradition of understanding and support between China and OIC members.

Wang stated that China appreciates the active participation of Arab and Islamic countries in pursuing peace. China is willing to cooperate in easing humanitarian crises, freeing captive peoples, and promoting comprehensive, fair, and lasting solutions to the Palestinian issue.

Kompas

The Indonesian hospital in Gaza has stopped operating, leaving around 45 patients in urgent need of surgery stranded in the waiting room. This was conveyed by the Head of the Indonesian Hospital, Atef al-Kahlout, to Al-Jazeera on Thursday (16/11/2023). The hospital is not functioning due to the cessation of drug supplies and medical necessities, while injured patients continue to arrive.

China has long been supportive of Palestine and frequently quick to condemn Israel. China did not condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. However, China has economic relations with Israel. Meanwhile, the United States and other countries label it as an act of terrorism.

Wang emphasized that the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly resolutions regarding ceasefires must be implemented. Ceasefires are no longer just diplomatic rhetoric. Ceasefires are key to the survival of the people of Gaza.

Also read: Gaza in the Shadow of the Relic of Genocide

The UN Security Council must also listen to the voices of Arab and Islamic countries and take immediate action to ease the situation. "As the rotating president of the UN Security Council, China will continue to strengthen coordination with Arab and Islamic countries to build consensus and push for more meaningful actions by the UN Security Council on the situation in Gaza," said Wang.

Gather support

Retno stated that the OIC Foreign Ministers hope that China supports efforts to end the war in Gaza. "This month, there is planned to be a high-level meeting of foreign ministers at the UN to discuss the Gaza issue. Tomorrow, the OIC foreign ministers will continue to gather support from Russia," said Retno.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has called for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be sent to the Gaza Strip. This effort must be implemented without delay.

Kompas

The number of casualties from the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to increase every hour. The government media office in Gaza reported that as of November 16, 2023, the death toll has reached 11,697 people, including 4,710 children and 3,160 women. In addition, the number of injured victims has reached 29,800 with 70 percent of them being children and women. In a regularly updated report, Al Jazeera news agency calculates that 15 people including 6 children die in Gaza every hour.

Because there is a risk of a humanitarian crisis occurring, international mobilization is needed, including from China, to prevent ongoing and worsening tragedies. The UN Security Council resolution is seen as inadequate.

Retno condemned the attack of Israel on the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza. The attack resulted in the death of several civilians.

The attack is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. All countries, especially those with close relations with Israel, must use all their influence and capabilities to urge Israel to stop its cruelty.

Also read: Hamas Hostage Negotiations Open Hope

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) has not been able to contact three Indonesian citizens who volunteered at RS Indonesia. "I have contacted UNRWA (the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees) to inquire about the situation at RS Indonesia. UNRWA also cannot contact anyone at RS Indonesia at this time. I have also tried to contact WHO and the Indonesian Red Cross, but I have not yet received a response," said Retno.

One of the workers at Indonesia Hospital, Marwan Abdallah, stated that Israel tanks were operating within 200 meters of the hospital. Israeli snipers also surrounded the hospital. As a result of the Israeli attack, dozens of people were killed and injured.

The spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, Ashraf al-Qidra, stated that there are 600 patients and 200 healthcare workers at the Indonesian hospital in Gaza. The hospital is also hosting 2,000 refugees.

Relief supplies

Israeli Ambassador to China, Irit Ben-Abba, mentioned that Israel has allowed sufficient humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza, in collaboration with international organizations.

AFP/SAID KHATIB

Premature babies were evacuated from Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza to Egypt on Monday (20/11/2023). Al Shifa Hospital can no longer function due to the Israeli attack.

Israel hopes for an unbiased resolution from the UN Security Council. Instead of focusing on a ceasefire, Israel is more concerned with calls for the release of civilians being held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023. (Please note that the forbidden word "PBB" has been withheld from translation.)

On Monday, fierce fighting continued around a hospital in northern Gaza. The hospital has become a shelter for thousands of patients and refugees in recent weeks.

Israel continues to attack areas surrounding a hospital on the grounds of eradicating Hamas. Israeli military claims to have evidence supporting their assertion that Hamas has a large command post both inside and beneath the hospital complex. However, this claim has repeatedly been proven false.

Kompas

This is a heart-wrenching scene. Premature babies at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza were forced to be removed from their incubators and placed on regular beds on Monday (13/11/2023), due to the frequent bombing near the incubator building. Israel's relentless attacks on Gaza have caused the two largest hospitals in the city, Al-Shifa and Al-Quds in northern Gaza, to cease operations. Medical supplies and equipment have also been delayed.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the hospitals that were attacked include the Indonesian Hospital. As a result, 12 people died.

The attack took place a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) evacuated 31 premature babies from Al Shifa Hospital. The babies are now in Egypt with 28 adult patients from the hospital. Meanwhile, more than 250 critically ill or injured patients are still in the Al Shifa Hospital complex. (REUTERS/AP)