Top Chinese diplomat says Israeli violence against Palestinians in Gaza is red line

 The Chinese authorities consider Israel's drastic measures against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip absolutely unacceptable and oppose the forcible transfer of civilians, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

"We should take more practical and forceful measures to protect civilians, to protect them in armed conflicts, this [violence against civilians] is a red line in international law," he told a meeting on the Middle East at the UN Security Council. "All violence and attacks against civilians are unacceptable," the Chinese foreign minister emphasized.

According to Wang Yi, any violation of humanitarian law is reprehensible. "We are opposed to collective punitive measures against the residents of Gaza, to the forcible transfer of Palestinians," he stressed.

The top Chinese diplomat also called for the immediate release of those forcibly detained in the conflict zone and in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. "It is necessary to remove obstacles to the delivery of necessary humanitarian goods and create conditions for the safe work of humanitarian organizations," Wang Yi added.