Chinese state media has said President Xi Jinping has called for the release of civilian detainees and an immediate ceasefire as Israel continues to bombard Gaza, AFP reports.

“All parties in the conflicts should immediately cease fire and hostilities, stop all violence and attacks targeting civilians, and release civilian detainees to avoid more loss of lives and suffering,” Xi said as he addressed a virtual summit of fellow BRICS leaders, according to Beijing’s state news agency Xinhua.

He did not make specific reference to the estimated 240 hostages abducted from Israel by Hamas last month, nor to Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel.