China has sharply condemned Israel’s newly approved plan for its military to assume control of Gaza City, warning that the move threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Foreign-ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing on 8 August that China is “gravely concerned” and urged Israel to cancel what he called a dangerous decision. “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of Palestinian territory,” Guo said, adding that an immediate ceasefire is the only way to relieve suffering and secure the release of hostages. The Israeli security cabinet last week endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for troops to take over Gaza’s largest population centre, a plan that would likely displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. China’s statements mark one of the strongest reactions from a permanent member of the UN Security Council since the cabinet vote. Addressing an emergency Security Council session on 11 August, China’s UN ambassador Fu Cong reiterated Beijing’s opposition, calling on Israel to “abandon the myth of military supremacy” and embrace a two-state solution. Fu warned that famine in Gaza has already claimed nearly 200 lives and cautioned that any attempt to alter the territory’s demographic or geographic profile must be “resolutely opposed.” Beijing also mourned journalists killed during the conflict and pressed Israel to fully restore deliveries of food, fuel and medical supplies. China said it stands ready to work with international partners to halt the fighting, ease the humanitarian disaster and restart negotiations toward a lasting political settlement.