China on Wednesday urged Israel to immediately stop its military operations in Gaza, warning that continued escalation would worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in the territory.

Speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council on the Israel-Palestine issue, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, said the conflict in Gaza has dragged on for nearly 700 days, leaving it "a living hell" for its 2 million residents.

"Violence cannot bring security, and force will not deliver peace," Geng said, condemning Israel's recent strikes, including an August 25 attack on Nasser Hospital that killed more than 20 civilians. He cautioned that Israel's plan to seize Gaza City would trigger further bloodshed, displacement and insecurity.

Geng stressed that harming civilians, damaging civilian facilities and violating international law were unacceptable. He urged Israel to open all border crossings, restore full humanitarian access and cooperate with the United Nations to alleviate Gaza's crisis, accusing Israel of deliberately obstructing aid delivery.

He also criticized Israel's approval of settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank, warning it would undermine territorial continuity for Palestine and erode prospects for a two-state solution.

Geng called for urgent international action to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, ease the humanitarian crisis and revive the two-state solution. He urged influential countries to take "a fair and responsible stance" and play a constructive role.

"China will continue to work with the international community to help end the fighting in Gaza, advance the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question," said Geng.