China's Complex Relationship with Israel and Hamas

China, positioning itself as a peace broker in the Israel-Gaza conflict, has refrained from condemning Hamas, the group responsible for sparking the crisis. While China has called for restraint and a ceasefire, it has not explicitly named Hamas for its initial rocket attacks or the subsequent Israeli airstrikes. Anti-Israel sentiment is prevalent among Chinese netizens, with pro-Palestinian views dominating social media discussions. Several factors contribute to China's stance, including historical support for the Palestinian cause, aspirations for global leadership, the need to maintain support from Arab countries, and opposition to US-backed initiatives. China's relationship with the US and its treatment of the Muslim-majority population in Xinjiang also play a role.