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The Israeli foreign ministry released a statement specifying that the assault did not occur within the embassy’s premises. The identity of the employee was not disclosed, and no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. This incident took place amid calls in Muslim nations to observe ‘day of rage’ for mass protests after Friday prayers, denouncing Israel’s intensive bombing campaign in Gaza.
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According to the statement, the injured employee was transferred to the hospital and is in stable condition. Israeli officials are still investigating the background of the assault.
Outside the Israeli Embassy in Beijing, a small number of plainclothes police officers were stationed, while a similar presence was observed at the Palestinian Embassy nearby. Despite recent attempts to establish closer ties between China and Israel, the incident has heightened tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, the United States, a prominent ally of Israel, has shown its support through diplomatic visits, statements, and military aid, with a focus on de-escalating the regional conflict
Prior to this announcement, Israel’s foreign ministry expressed its deep disappointment to the Chinese envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, regarding China’s comments on the Hamas incursion. Israel criticized China for not providing a clear and unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities committed by Hamas against innocent civilians and for not acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself.
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In response, a Chinese statement expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and violence between Israel and Palestine. China condemned actions harming innocent civilians and called for an early ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks based on the two-state solution.
New York, Washington and other US cities are on alert
Meanwhile, in response to the global “day of Jihad” called for by former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is implementing additional security measures to prevent potential disturbances. Apprehensions surrounding the event have put religious institutions on high alert, with some Jewish parents feeling uneasy about sending their children to school.
The NYPD issued a statement on Thursday asserting, “There are no specific, credible threats to New York City.” However, the police acknowledged concerns raised by online postings. “We have increased our presence with uniformed officers at major gatherings and cultural sites to prioritize public safety, exercising an abundance of caution,” the statement affirmed.
Likewise, officials in Washington, DC, are intensifying security measures in anticipation of Friday’s protests, following the lead of their counterparts in New York.
“We are enhancing security measures across the Capitol Complex,” said the US Capitol Police. “While some of our efforts will be visible, for safety reasons, we cannot disclose all the specifics regarding the resources we are deploying to safeguard Congress.”
The statement emphasized the ongoing collaboration of dedicated teams working with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies nationwide “to ensure the safety of everyone.”
(With inputs from agencies)