Xi calls for Israel-Hamas ceasefire for lasting peace
President Xi Jinping on Tuesday made three proposals to end the conflict between Hamas and Israel and called for a ceasefire to realise lasting peace and security, at an extraordinary Brics virtual summit.  Xi said all parties in the conflict should immediately stop all violence and attacks targetting civilians, and release civilian detainees to avoid more loss of lives and suffering.  He said it is also imperative to ensure the safe and smooth passage of humanitarian relief, and expand humanitarian aid to people in Gaza.  The president called on the international community to take concrete measures to prevent the escalation of the conflict, and also called for the “early convening of an international peace conference that is more authoritative to build international consensus for peace". "Since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has been working actively to promote peace talks and a ceasefire," he added. Beijing, he said, "has provided humanitarian assistance to help ease the humanitarian plight in Gaza" and would continue to do so. (Xinhua/AFP)