BEIJING/GAZA CITY – China has expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israelis and Palestinians, urging the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.
The death toll from more than two days of Israeli strikes on Gaza has risen to 83, the health ministry controlled by Hamas said Thursday.
The dead included 17 children, while 487 people have been wounded, the ministry said.
"China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body.
"However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua.
"The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution."
One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month.