Beijing expresses concern over 'media blockade' accusation

The Chinese embassy in Israel refuted the Israeli leader's recent remarks that China is using social media to impose a "media blockade" against Israel as groundless and detrimental to bilateral relations.

According to local media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting with a delegation of state legislators from the United States on Monday, claimed that some countries, including China and Qatar, are using social media to carry out a "media blockade" against Israel.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Israel said that China is shocked by the remarks made by the Israeli leader, which are completely groundless and detrimental to China-Israel relations. China strongly opposes and expresses grave concerns over such remarks, the spokesperson said.

By blaming social media and then China for the criticism it is facing, Israel is making a misguided move that targets the wrong party and offers the wrong solution, the embassy stated.

The spokesperson said the international community has been highly concerned about the situation in Gaza and broadly supports an early ceasefire and an end to the conflict — a move that would also help ensure the safe and prompt return of Israeli hostages. Within Israel, there have been growing reflective voices emphasizing that what the country needs is not a prolonged conflict, but a lasting solution for peace, the spokesperson said.

Furthermore, the lopsided results of numerous votes on Palestinian issues at the United Nations and other multilateral forums clearly reflect the position of the majority of the international community, the spokesperson pointed out.

Emphasizing that unilateral security is unsustainable, the spokesperson called for shared security as the only viable path to lasting peace. Israel's legitimate security concerns must be respected, just as Palestine's right to exist, to statehood, and to development must be fulfilled, the statement read.

"We call on Israel to heed the strong voice of the international community, immediately halt military operations in Gaza, and secure a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible," the spokesperson said.

yangran1@chinadaily.com.cn