China is deeply concerned by the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine as well as that between Israel and Lebanon, and urges relevant parties, Israel in particular, to exercise restraint to the greatest extent, said Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue on Friday.

He made the remarks during a group meeting with diplomatic envoys of Arab countries and a representative from the Mission of the League of Arab States in China, upon request. 

Noting that Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and triggered confrontation recently, the Arab side said Israel's attempt to change the status of religious holy sites in Jerusalem violates the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions, and the international community has the responsibility to take action to stop the provocative acts of the Israeli side.

Zhai said that the pressing task now is to keep the situation under control. China urges relevant parties, Israel in particular, to stay calm, avoid taking actions that may heighten tensions and prevent further escalation of the situation.

China has actively responded to the call of Arab states and asked the UN Security Council to hold emergency consultations on the Israel-Palestine situation together with countries including the United Arab Emirates, making active efforts for de-escalation, he said.

Zhai said that the fundamental way to resolve the conflicts between Palestine and Israel is the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.

"The international community needs to act with a stronger sense of urgency, heed the legitimate concerns of Palestine and take real steps to fulfill the pledge to the Palestinian people. Major countries with influence need to step up to their responsibilities, take a just position and play their due part in facilitating the resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel on the basis of the two-state solution," he said.

The Arab side highly appreciated China's efforts to maintain and promote regional peace and stability and to promote the settlement of the Palestinian question, and hoped that China will continue to play its role in promoting the easing of current tensions and safeguarding the legitimate national rights of the Palestinians.

China will continue to make relentless efforts to facilitate a proper resolution of the Palestinian question at an early date, Zhai added.