China reiterated its call on the United States to play a constructive role in ending the conflict in Gaza and to stop blocking UN efforts to demand an end to the bloodshed, AP reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that China, as chairman of the UN Security Council, had called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, but an obstacle from the one country prevented the UN Security Council from adopting the statement.

According to him, China strongly condemns the violence against civilians and calls for an end to air strikes, ground attacks, rocket attacks and other actions that exacerbate the situation.

Israel must exercise restraint, effectively implement relevant United Nations resolutions, end the demolition of the homes of the Palestinian people, end the expulsion of the Palestinian people and end the expansion of its settlement program, end threats of violence and provocation against Muslims, and preserve and respect the historic status quo of Jerusalem as a religious holy place, he said.