Media reports say the Israel-Hamas conflict death toll has surpassed 6,000.

Thus, Al Jazeera says the latest conflict erupted on October 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel killing at least 1,400 people and taking more than 200 captive.

Israel reportedly responded with force, declaring war on the besieged Gaza Strip and subjecting the territory to relentless bombardment.  At least 4,651 Palestinians have been killed so far, according to Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, China urges Gaza ceasefire, willing to do whatever needed to end violence.  China is willing to do “whatever is conducive” to promote dialogue, secure a ceasefire and restore peace amid the deepening conflict in Gaza, China’s state-run media reports said, citing the country’s special envoy on the Middle East Zhai Jun.

Al Jazeera reports that the state-run China Central Television said on Monday that Chinese veteran diplomat Zhai Jun is currently on a tour of the region and described the situation in Gaza as “very serious.”  The Chinese special envoy reportedly expresses concern about risk of widening conflict.

Speaking at the Cairo peace summit, Mr. Zhai reportedly said on October 22 that China will continue close communication with all parties in the international community.  

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Mr. Zhai called for an “immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting as quickly as possible.”

“China believes that force is not a way to resolve the problem and that responding to violence with violence will only lead to a vicious circle of revenge,” Zhai said.

Beijing has maintained good relations with Israel but has also supported the Palestinian cause for decades.