After Israel attacked Lebanon, China says it is "deeply shocked by Israel"

The world is in turmoil after the IDF launched extensive attacks in Operation "Northern Arrows" and is trying to stop the escalation.

China announced today (Tuesday) that it is *"deeply shocked"* by the human casualties following widespread Israeli attacks that left almost 500 dead in Lebanon.

"China has particularly noticed the current tensions between Lebanon and Israel and is deeply shocked by the large number of casualties caused by these military actions," said Lin Jian, a ministry spokesperson, in a regular press briefing in response to the Chinese Foreign Minister's question about the Israeli attacks.

"China opposes violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and security, and opposes and condemns all actions that harm innocent civilians," Lin Jian emphasized on Tuesday.

He added: "We call on the relevant parties to take steps to immediately ease the situation, prevent further escalation of regional tensions, and effectively maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as the security and lives of people."

Russia also joined in, with the Kremlin announcing yesterday (Tuesday) that it fears a *"complete destabilization"* of the Middle East due to the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "This is of course an event that could be most dangerous with the expansion of the conflict area, the complete destabilization of the region," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press. "Of course this worries us and concerns us to a very great extent," he added.

In addition, France officially requested an urgent discussion at the UN Security Council to discuss the situation in Lebanon and the escalation. The US also expressed hope that the events will not develop into a full-scale war.