China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has called Israel’s offensive in Gaza a “disgrace for civilisation” and reiterated Beijing’s calls for an “immediate ceasefire”.

“It is a tragedy for humankind and a disgrace for civilisation that today, in the 21st century, this humanitarian disaster cannot be stopped,” Wang told journalists at a press conference.

Beijing has been calling for an immediate ceasefire since the start of the current Israel-Hamas escalation in October last year. “No reason can justify the continuation of the conflict, and no excuse can justify being desperately killed,” Wang said.

“The international community must act urgently, making an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities an overriding priority, and ensuring humanitarian relief an urgent moral responsibility.”