China expresses 'deep concern' over escalating conflict in Gaza

ISTANBUL

China on Monday expressed "deep concern" over the renewed conflict in the Gaza Strip.

"Under the current circumstances, the overarching goal of cease-fire and ending the war cannot be changed," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters in Beijing.

"The major principle of protecting civilians must not be abandoned," Wang said, as quoted by local daily Global Times.

The Israeli army resumed bombing the Gaza Strip early Friday after declaring an end to a week-long humanitarian pause.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the blockaded enclave following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

The death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has surged to more than 15,500 since the start of the conflict.

The number of wounded through the same period has risen to 41,316.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.