Beijing calls for truce and aid access in Gaza Strip

China's ambassador to the United Nations urged on Monday the full restoration of humanitarian access in Gaza, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the territory.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said the region is "mired in severe turmoil", noting a recent Israeli attack on southern Lebanon shortly after reaching a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

"In Gaza, the humanitarian disaster is beyond words," Fu said, adding China "strongly condemned attacks on civilians and the weaponization of humanitarian aid".