ISTANBUL

China announced Friday it would provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran to “comfort” victims of a school attack amid the US-Israel military campaign against the country.

Reiterating its condemnation of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “Attacking schools and harming civilians seriously violate international humanitarian law and cross the base line of humanity and human conscience.”

He added that the Red Cross Society of China has “decided to provide $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to Iranian Red Crescent for comforting these bereaved families.”

“China will continue to provide assistance needed in the spirit of humanity to support the Iranian people in overcoming difficulties,” Guo said. “Our hearts go out to the victims and those who have lost their lives.”

At least 150 schoolgirls were killed in an airstrike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in the southern Iranian city of Minab on Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched joint attacks that killed more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. More than 10,000 others were injured in the strikes.

Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Eight US service members have been killed since the conflict began.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1, causing a surge in oil prices. The narrow shipping lane handles about 20 million barrels of oil daily and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.

Guo said China “is gravely concerned over the continued tensions in the Middle East.”

“China believes that all countries’ sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected and brook no infringement,” he said. “All parties should immediately cease military operations, return to dialogue, and prevent the conflict from spilling over.”