Reports suggest that Hamas militants may have utilized North Korean weapons in their recent attack on Israel. According to the South China Morning Post, up to six Chinese warships have been present in West Asia over the past week, likely due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Chinese Defence Ministry website has confirmed that the 44th Naval Escort Task Force has been conducting routine operations in the area since May, and recently participated in a joint exercise with Oman’s navy. The task force departed Muscat last Saturday and is currently en route to an undisclosed location.
The USS Gerald R Ford, the most advanced carrier of the US, along with its battle group, was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean during the ongoing war. Additionally, the Dwight D Eisenhower carrier strike group is en route to the region. This development coincided with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s call for a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors for Gaza. Xi made this statement during a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. State media quoted Xi as expressing China’s support for Egypt’s endeavors to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Chinese president recently addressed the conflict that arose on October 7 between Hamas and Israel, which led to a massive military operation in Gaza. This marks one of his first statements on the matter. On Wednesday, Egypt and the US reached an agreement to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza in a sustainable manner, with the aid being transported through Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Additionally, President Xi expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with Egypt on infrastructure, agricultural technology, and renewable energy. He also pledged to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Egypt.
