By Anadolu staff
ANKARA (AA) – China on Sunday said it is "deeply" concerned about the current escalation of "tensions and violence" between Palestinians and Israelis, calling on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint.
In a statement, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged an immediate end to the hostilities to protect civilians and avoid further deterioration of the situation, local broadcaster CGTN reported.
"The recurrence of the conflict shows once again that the protracted standstill of the peace process cannot last,” the spokesperson said.
The fundamental way out of the conflict, the spokesperson observed, lies in implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent State of Palestine.
“The international community needs 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 achieving that goal, the spokesperson went on to say.
Israel initiated Operation Swords of Iron in Gaza in retaliation to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood launched by the Hamas forces into Israel on Saturday.
At least 300 Israelis were killed and over 1,500 injured in the attack, while several soldiers and civilians were captured by Hamas and taken back to Gaza.
At least 232 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh described the attack "heroic epic in response to Israel’s aggression against Al Aqsa” Mosque and settler violence. Hundreds of Israeli settlers forced their way into the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during the recent Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, said it targeted enemy sites, airports, and military installations with rockets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is in a state of war, and his army's priority is to "clear out the hostile forces.