China said it welcomed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands, AFP reports.

“China is paying close attention to the current situation in Lebanon and Israel,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a regular briefing.

“We support all efforts conducive to easing tensions and achieving peace and welcome the agreement reached by relevant parties on a ceasefire,” she added.

China insisted that the “failure to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza is the root cause of the current round of turmoil in the Middle East”.

“All parties should work together to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible,” Mao said.