Mainland offers assistance to Taiwan residents trapped in Palestinian-Israeli conflict

BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan residents trapped in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will receive the same consular protection as mainland residents, said a mainland spokesperson Wednesday.

"Compatriots from Taiwan are Chinese citizens and our fellows," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, adding that the motherland will stand firm behind them.

Zhu urged Taiwan residents, who face difficulties or whose lives and properties are in danger, to call the emergency hotline of local Chinese diplomatic and consular missions for consular protection and service.

Relevant authorities will try their best to assist Chinese citizens, including people from Taiwan, Zhu said.

Peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation are common aspirations for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, she added.