China is deeply concerned at the current situation in Gaza,and hopes parties involved could immediately halt the armed conflict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Tuesday.

China is deeply concerned over the ongoing armed conflict in Gaza, Qin said at a regular press conference in Beijing.

China hopes parties involved could respond to appeals of the international community and cease fire at once, so as to prevent an even higher death toll, Qin said when responding to journalists.

Over 300 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip last Saturday in retaliation for increased rocket and mortar fire from Gaza on southern Israel, reports said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2008)