Schumer Calls on China to Back Israel Following Hamas Attacks

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to do more to support Israel as it responds to the surprise attacks Saturday by Hamas, according to multiple reports.

"The ongoing events in Israel over the last few days are nothing short of horrific," Schumer said to Xi while in a rare meeting in Beijing. "I urge you and the Chinese people to stand with the Israeli people and condemn the cowardly and vicious attacks."

Schumer said he was "disappointed" that the country did not show more sympathy for Israel in a statement by its foreign minister, which called for an end to hostilities to protect civilians and the implementation of a two-state solution.

The New York senator made the comments during a one-on-one meeting with Xi while leading a congressional delegation in Asia. The group also plans to stop in South Korea and Japan.

The meeting between the two leaders was held days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leaving hundreds killed and thousands wounded on either side of the conflict.

On Sunday night, Schumer issued a statement calling the strikes "overwhelming and heart wrenching."