The Chinese government wants to see access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, a more stabile West Bank, and progress toward a two-state solution, said its special envoy to the Middle East at a gathering in Beijing of diplomats from Arab states. Newsweek contacted the U.S. State Department for comment.

We must insist that the schande of Gaza be a wakeup call to Israel to turn away from bal tashchit and towards the repair (an immediate cease fire, serious peace negotiations, and massive food and medical aid for the region) so urgently needed. “When you besiege a city,” reads Deuteronomy 20:19, “you shall not destroy its trees.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering ordering the full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media