China said it hoped the International Criminal Court would uphold an “objective” position after a prosecutor requested arrest warrants for leaders from Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hamas, AFP reports.

Asked on Tuesday about the decision, Beijing said there was “an overwhelming consensus in the international community to immediately stop the onslaught in Gaza and put an end to the humanitarian crisis of the Palestinian people”.

“It is hoped that the ICC will uphold its objective and impartial position and exercise its powers in accordance with the law,” foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

“The collective punishment of the Palestinian people should not be continued,” he added.

“China has always stood on the side of justice and international law on the Palestinian issue,” Wang said, adding Beijing supported “endeavours to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue”.