Palestinians are seen in the city of Khan Younis in the south of Gaza Strip on Sept. 16, 2024. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. (Photo: Xinhua)

Following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel, Khaled Meshal has been appointed as the acting leader, media reported. Experts in China indicated that it would become "extremely difficult" for negotiations between the two sides, warning of potentially escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

In response to Sinwar's death, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said China believes that the pressing priority is to fully and effectively implement relevant UN Security Council resolution, immediately reach a ceasefire in Gaza, earnestly protect civilians, ensure the humanitarian aid and avoid further escalating the conflict and confrontation.

The death of Sinwar is widely viewed as an opportunity for Israel to declare victory and wind down the war in the Gaza Strip. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a televised address, "The war isn't over," suggesting that he may view Sinwar's elimination as justification for his ongoing military pressure in Gaza. 

The operation that resulted in Sinwar's death was not a targeted strike but rather part of a routine military action, media reported.

"It is noteworthy that the elimination of Sinwar will make negotiations between the parties even more challenging in the short term," Liu Zhongmin, a professor from the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. 

Following Sinwar's death, Hamas appointed its new leader, according to Lebanese television LBCI. Liu explained that Hamas and other Islamic organizations have mechanisms for leadership succession. As long as Israel is unable to eliminate Hamas's beliefs, ideology, and organizational structure, it will not be able to eradicate Hamas itself and stop its fighting.

Following Sinwar's death, Hezbollah announced a "transition to a new and escalating phase in the confrontation with Israel." Meanwhile, Iran has shown no signs that Sinwar's killing will alter its support, stating through its mission to the United Nations that "the spirit of resistance will be strengthened" following his death, Reuters reported. 

US President Joe Biden expressed clear support for Israel's elimination of Sinwar, also conveying his congratulations to Netanyahu over the phone, describing it as a pathway for the "day after" in Gaza, Wall Street Journal reported.

"Overall, the conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza will maintain a considerable intensity, while Israel will also take into account factors related to the US and leave some room for maneuver."

Mao stated that China has, as always, supported Palestine's internal reconciliation and believes this is an important step based on the two-State solution toward solving the Palestinian question and realizing peace and stability in the Middle East. 

No matter how the situation evolves, it's all the more necessary for Palestinian factions to strengthen solidarity and the international community to provide firm support. China stands ready to work with all parties to continue working relentlessly to this end, she said.