Sustainable peace in the Middle East calls for common security of all parties: China Daily editorial

The current flare-up of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has caused a large number of civilian casualties and a serious humanitarian disaster.

China has repeatedly called on the international community to take urgent actions to address the conflict, urging that every effort be made to facilitate a cease-fire, ensure the safety of civilians and end the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding.

While supporting all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the immediate crisis, it has stressed the only viable way to settle the Palestinian question lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. In light of this, China has called for a specific timetable and road map for the implementation of the two-state solution to be drawn up under the auspices of the United Nations as part of its latest peace proposals.

In effect, a blueprint for the de-escalation of the current conflict and the realization of common security for the Palestinians and Israelis, the proposals call for concerted efforts to secure a cease-fire, the effective protection of civilians and barrier-free access for assistance to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, as well as diplomatic mediation in pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement that can enable the two peoples to peacefully coexist.

The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue, and the crux of the Palestine-Israel conflict lies in the long overdue realization of the legitimate national right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state. China will continue to work with the international community to realize the Palestinian people's right to statehood and will support all efforts conducive to establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.

With Israel and Hamas issuing separate statements on Thursday morning pledging to uphold the current truce for another day, it is imperative that the fighting in Gaza should not be rekindled again.

China's proposals are based on impartiality, justice and international law. All members of the international community should join hands with China to earnestly implement the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council and make preparations to support the reconstruction of Gaza.

This is the time for solutions, not for feuds and divisions. This is the time when all peace-loving members of the world community should unite under the auspices of the United Nations and make joint efforts to end the current hostilities and seek a viable, long-term solution to the decades-old cycle of violence.