United Nations: China has urged the international community to step up efforts to implement an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza and the realization of a ceasefire, Beijing's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun said on Wednesday.

"We must step up efforts to promote an immediate end to hostilities and realisation for ceasefire," Zhang Jun said during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting.

Furthermore, Zhang Jun said that it must be implemented immediately and fully to achieve a lasting ceasefire and avoid a larger humanitarian catastrophe.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting hundreds of people, including elderly and children, in neighbouring Israeli communities.

Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.

On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages.

The conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 people in Israel and over 11,000 in the Gaza Strip.

(With UNI/SPUTNIK inputs)