China calls for restraint after deadly Gaza border clash

China on Tuesday called for both sides, especially the Israelis, to show restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions after more than 50 Palestinians were killed and over 2,000 injured on Monday in clashes with Israeli security troops on the border between Israel and Gaza.

"China expressed serious concerns over the heavy casualties caused by the violent conflicts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. "We are opposed to violence against civilians, and called for both Palestine and Israel, especially the Israeli side, to show restraint, and avoid tensions from further escalating."

Due to the complexity and sensitiveness of Jerusalem's status, Lu said, China has always believed that peace talks between Palestine and Israel should be resumed as soon as possible according to related resolutions of the United Nations, and the issue of Jerusalem's status should be solved through dialogue.

Lu reiterated China's support for the people of Palestine to resume their legitimate national rights and interests, and support for Palestine in establishing an independent state with full sovereignty based on the 1967 border through negotiations in accordance with the two-state solution.

"China is willing to work with all parties of the international community, contributing to the final and proper resolution of the Palestinian issue," Lu told a regular press conference in Beijing.