ISTANBUL

China on Friday called on Israel to stop expanding illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, warning that any such move would further destabilize the region.

“The conflict was just paused in Gaza and the situation is still way too fragile,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

“Israel should stop any action that fuels tensions or escalates the situation,” he said when asked whether China would consider sanctions against Israeli settlers.

Guo reminded that the UN Security Council had “made it clear that settlement activities are against international law.” Beijing, he added, opposes acts that “harm civilians or attacks against civilian facilities.”

“China always opposes Israel establishing settlements in occupied territory of Palestine,” he stressed.

As the US-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza takes effect following lengthy negotiations in Egypt, Guo repeated China’s call for “a full and permanent ceasefire” to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and reduce regional tensions in the Middle East.

"China always stands on the side of justice, fairness as well as international law," he said. "China upholds the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine and promotes the implementation of the two-state solution or stand ready to work with the international community to make unremitting effort towards an early four just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and peaceful and stable Middle."

On Sept. 29, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point ceasefire proposal for Gaza that includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

The plan’s second phase calls for a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas participation, the creation of a security force composed of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and Hamas’ disarmament.

It also envisions Arab and Islamic funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and new administration, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority.

While many Arab and Muslim countries have welcomed the plan, several officials noted that key details still require discussion and negotiation before implementation.