China will do its part in implementing the two-state solution and strive for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

When asked about China's next diplomatic step amid current tensions between Palestine and Israel, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that China will continue to support all efforts conducive to promoting dialogue and restoring peace.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is escalating, the situation in Gaza is very grave and armed conflict is spreading with a growing spillover effect, Mao said, adding that the Chinese side commends Egypt for its effort to de-escalate the situation. Speaking of the Cairo summit on Saturday, she said, "amid current tensions, this summit is both important and timely."

China is saddened by the heavy civilian casualties and the sharply deteriorating humanitarian situation caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, she said.

The spokesperson noted that violence for violence will only lead to a vicious cycle. "What's most imperative is to stop fighting and end hostilities immediately and all parties should abide by the international law and international humanitarian law, protect civilians and do everything possible to avert an even worse humanitarian disaster."

She called on the international community to provide more humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza to ease the humanitarian disaster that they are facing.

(Cover: Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, October 23, 2023. /CFP)