China, Norway, Saudi Arabia Demand Israel Lift Gaza Seige Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Israel's actions have gone beyond the scope of self-defense, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said as Israel ordered one million people from the northern part of Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours as it prepared for a ground assault.

In his phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Israel should heed the calls of the international community and the UN Secretary-General and avoid collective punishment of the people of Gaza.

China's special envoy on the Middle East Affairs Zhai Jun will visit relevant countries in the region next week to further strengthen coordination with all parties, he was quoted as saying in media reports on Sunday.

“There are horrific images and tragic accounts coming out of Gaza now. The scale of suffering and destruction is enormous. According to the UN, almost 500 children have been killed. This is completely unacceptable,” said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

"I have been very clear that given the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas, Israel has a right of self-defence under international law to take necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the supply of arms and other means of attack to Gaza.

However, all self-defence measures must be carried out in line with international humanitarian law. Civilians must be protected. The consequences for civilians of Israel’s attacks on Gaza are totally unacceptable. Norway condemns Israel’s announced full blockade of Gaza," Huitfeldt said.

Norway is now providing an additional NOK 70 million in humanitarian support for the civilian population in Gaza, she said.