A group of Arab and Muslim ministers are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as they begin their first stop on a five-country tour to negotiate an end to hostilities and allow humanitarian aid into the devastated Palestinian enclave.

The delegation, which includes representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestine, and the Organizations for Islamic Cooperation, is putting pressure on the West to reject Israel’s justification of its actions against the Palestinians as self-defense.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized the need for an immediate end to fighting and killings in Gaza and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered urgently. The goal is to send a clear message of support for their cause.

Israel’s ambassador to Beijing, Irit Ben-Abba, expressed hope that there would be no declaration of a ceasefire from this visit, stating that it is not yet time. She also called for discussions about the hostages captured by Hamas. Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi affirmed Beijing’s support for the just cause of the Palestinian people and their national rights.

China has been calling for de-escalation between Israel and Palestine and has been working towards a two-state solution that would lead to an independent Palestine. They want to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. China’s special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has been engaged with officials from Israel and the Palestinian Authority as well as from the Arab League and EU in discussions about these issues.