China, which has sought to portray itself as a neutral party and peacemaker in global hot spots, has called for a cease-fire in the Mideast conflict. Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, who has been engaged in a flurry of diplomacy since the war broke out, urged his Israeli counterpart in a call on Oct. 23 to “respect international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians.” In a separate call to the foreign minister of the Palestinian Authority, Wang expressed “deep sympathy over the difficult situation in Palestine, and especially with the people of Gaza.”

Beijing hasn’t condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which stunned the world and started the recent round of violence.

Asked at a regular briefing on Friday about China’s position on Hamas, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, “The pressing priority now is to end the fighting as soon as possible, and all parties should abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians.”