Palestine, China to Israel: stop to 'provocations' and escalation of 'tensions'

China urges the Israeli regime to stop "provoking" and "go ahead" with its invasion of the occupied Palestinian territories.

Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Geng Shuang has called on Israel to ease tensions, which have escalated after the Netanyahu regime signed an order to pave the way for more Israeli settlements in the northern occupied West Bank.

The Beijing diplomat also said that Israel must respect the historic status quo of the holy areas of Jerusalem and stop the illegal advance into the occupied territories.

Shuang also called for an end to violence against civilians, urging Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip to ensure the flow of people and supplies.

"China will continue to steadfastly support the Palestinian people and their just cause to restore their legitimate national rights," he said.

The actions of the United States were also recalled by the Chinese diplomat, who said that the Americans, as leaders of the UN Security Council, should have already done something to broker a peace process in the Middle East, instead of limiting to look "arms crossed".

In April, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang made an offer to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Palestine during a phone call between the sides but made no substantial progress.