China Urges Israel to Halt West Bank Settlement Push

During a face‑to‑face briefing in Baku, Azerbaijani host city of a regional forum, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi summoned Israeli President Isaac Herzog to stop the "forced establishment" of new settlements in the West Bank. The request follows Beijing’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and its insistence that a two‑state solution remains the viable path to regional stability.

Wang addressed the broader "Palestinian question" as "the greatest historic injustice of this century," echoing Beijing’s call for Palestinian unity. He highlighted China’s recent diplomacy – from brokering improved ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 to backing a ceasefire proposal in the 2024 US‑Israel‑Iran standoff – positioning the nation as an emerging mediator in the Middle East.

The Chinese envoy also urged Israel to fully open Gaza to humanitarian aid and halt the relentless spread of crisis. Wang added that China would collaborate with the global community to bring both parties back to the negotiating table for a comprehensive political settlement.

Israel’s President Herzog acknowledged a constructive meeting but underscored Israel’s concerns over security threats from Iran and its proxies. Herzog praised Israel’s desire for peace while highlighting ongoing tensions and the daily nature of Israeli strikes in Gaza, which have contributed to a grim toll of over 1,400 Palestinian fatalities since the 2025 ceasefire.

The U.S. brokered ceasefire, forged in October 2023 after Hamas’ attacks, has stalled in its second phase, with mutual accusations of violations. In this environment, China’s appeal for dialogue, border settlement halt, and humanitarian opening is a significant diplomatic statement amid a geopolitically volatile region.