Beijing: China on Thursday called for 'effectively' implementing the ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel continues its onslaught in the Palestinian coastal enclave. 'The situation in Gaza is very fragile,' China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated during a news conference in Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lin was responding to questions regarding the latest Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, marking a new violation of a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10. These strikes followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threat to 'respond accordingly' after Israeli soldiers were injured in clashes with Palestinian fighters in Rafah.

China expressed hope that the Gaza ceasefire agreement 'will be effectively implemented, that the humanitarian crisis will be genuinely alleviated, and that peace and stability in the region will be restored as soon as possible,' Lin noted, as reported by Beijing-based daily Global Times.

The initial phase of the ceasefire deal involves the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It also includes plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 people, predominantly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others.