China hopes Middle East conflicts will cease during Eid al-Fitr
History and reality have repeatedly shown us that the use of violence is not a solution and armed conflict only creates new hatred. The conflicting parties need to stop military operations as soon as possible and prevent the situation from deteriorating,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian at a press conference on Friday (20/3).
Eid al-Fitr 1447 H is being celebrated by Muslims in several countries on Friday, 20 March 2026. In Indonesia, Eid al-Fitr is observed variably, with some Muslims marking it on Friday, 20 March 2026, and others on Saturday, 21 March 2026.
“The conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify and expand. This conflict not only deals a blow to regional peace and stability but also directly impacts energy availability, financial conditions, trade stability, and global shipping traffic,” added Lin Jian.
He stated that the Middle East conflict damages the common interests of countries.
“China will continue mediation efforts to end the fighting and for the swift return of peace and stability to the Middle East,” Lin Jian revealed.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Those counterattacks have caused casualties and infrastructure damage, as well as disrupting global markets and aviation.
In his statement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would not hold back at all in retaliating if its infrastructure is attacked.
Iran’s military attacked targets in West Jerusalem, Haifa, and the US military airbase Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates on Friday (20/3).
The escalation of the US and Israeli war against Iran has also halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, affecting exports and oil production in the region.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry on Thursday (19/3) reported at least 1,001 people killed and 2,584 injured due to Israeli attacks since 2 March.
In a statement, the ministry said that the thousands of victims included 118 children and 79 women, while there were 365 children and 414 women among the injured.
Additionally, Israeli authorities have banned the performance of Eid al-Fitr prayers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem, citing security reasons amid the war with Iran.
Nevertheless, Palestinians on Friday called on Muslims to gather in the Old City to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers as close as possible to Al-Aqsa, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.