China urges Israel, Palestine to end hostilities

China called on Sunday on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and immediately end the hostilities to protect civilians and avoid further deterioration of the situation as fierce conflict between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip has caused massive casualties on both sides.

China is deeply concerned over the current escalation of tensions and violence between Palestine and Israel, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot last, a spokesperson said in the statement.

The fundamental way out of the conflict lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine, the spokesperson stressed.

The spokesperson called on the international community to act with greater urgency, step up input into the Palestine question, facilitate the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and find a way to bring about enduring peace.

China will continue to work relentlessly with the international community toward that end, the spokesperson added.

The Israeli military confirmed on Saturday that Palestinian militants had launched almost 3,000 rockets against Israel, and dozens of militants had infiltrated southern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a national address that Israel was "in a state of war" and ordered "a full mobilization of reserves."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held an emergency meeting with key officials on the same day, emphasizing the right of the Palestinian people to defend themselves against Israeli forces and settlers.