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China urges Israel to halt West Bank settlements, open Gaza access
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli President Isaac Herzog that Israel must halt West Bank settlement expansion and fully open access to Gaza to prevent humanitarian crisis. Speaking in Baku on October 15, Wang called the Palestinian question the greatest historical injustice of the century and said a two-state solution is the correct path forward.
Quick Facts
- Wang called on Israel to halt and reverse settlement activities in West Bank
- Wang urged full opening of access routes into Gaza
- Wang emphasized two-state solution as correct path
- Wang said China will work with international community for dialogue and political settlement
- Herzog reaffirmed Israel's one-China policy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Baku on October 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia. During the meeting, Wang called on Israel to halt and reverse its "forced establishment" of settlements in the West Bank and to fully open access routes into Gaza to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Wang stated that the Palestinian question represents "the greatest historical injustice of this century" and emphasized that the two-state solution is the correct path to resolving the conflict. He said China is willing to work with the international community to bring all parties back to dialogue and negotiations to seek a political resolution. Wang also noted that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in peace and establish independent states.
Herzog responded that Israel firmly adheres to the one-China policy and expressed hopes to advance friendly ties with China, including cooperation in science and technology, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He stated that Israel seeks peace but faces security threats that require a strong response, citing threats from Iran and its proxies. Herzog praised China's efforts to promote regional peace and stability and said Israel values China's proposals and is willing to maintain communication with Beijing.
The meeting took place as China has been positioning itself as a mediator in Middle East conflicts. In 2023, Beijing brokered a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties. China has also been working on Palestinian unity, having helped rival Palestinian factions agree in 2024 to form a national reconciliation government, though it was never implemented. Wang emphasized that the immediate priority is to fully open Gaza access to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Why This Matters
China's public call for Israeli settlement halt and Gaza access opening signals Beijing's diplomatic positioning on Middle East conflicts as tensions persist. The meeting outcome affects international mediation efforts, humanitarian aid flows to Gaza, and ongoing negotiations over Palestinian statehood. China has previously brokered Iran-Saudi Arabia talks (2023) and Palestinian faction unity attempts (2024), positioning itself as a regional mediator. Israel's reaffirmation of one-China policy and openness to communication indicates willingness to engage despite disagreements on Palestinian issues.
Timeline & Sources
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