Spokesman Zhu Bangzao said the Chinese government is seriously concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine over the past few days.

Israel used armed helicopters and heavy weapons, the Palestinian side has suffered serious casualties and property losses, and the regional situation continues to deteriorate, Zhu said.

He said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for 10 months, has made the regional situation even worse and aroused extensive concern in the international community.

Although the two sides committed themselves to a cease-fire not long ago, the conflict has never stopped and the situation has deteriorated even more recently, Zhu said.

The spokesman called on the Israeli and Palestinian sides, the Israeli side in particular, to take prompt measures to stop all unilateral actions detrimental to the peace process in the Middle East, earnestly implement the cease-fire agreement and create an appropriate atmosphere for resuming peace talks at an early date.

(people.com.cn 08/02/2001 )