SHANGHAI -- China on Monday called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war as it hosted a delegation from Islamic countries, led by the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
"A cease-fire is no longer diplomatic rhetoric but a matter of life and death for the people in Gaza," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as Beijing attempts to play a more prominent role in mediating the conflict. In doing so, China has thrown its weight behind Middle Eastern countries frustrated with what they see as Washington's unwillingness to sufficiently pressure Israel to agree to a truce.
