HONG KONG -- China's special envoy for the Middle East has embarked on a visit to the region as Beijing attempts to play a more visible role in efforts to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
Middle East crisis
China's Middle East envoy visits region gripped by Israel-Hamas crisis
Political analysts consider Zhai Jun's trip to be largely for show
Damage from an apparent Israeli strike in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 20. China says it is pushing for a cease-fire and wants to facilitate peace talks. © Reuters
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