UNITED NATIONS - China on Tuesday called on the international community to take urgent actions to end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.

"Gaza has become a living hell. Israel's continuous bombing and raids are causing civilian casualties every day," said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council briefing.

Noting that nearly half a million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger, Fu urged Israel to uphold international humanitarian law and lift the blockade to allow unhindered access to food, medicine and other critical supplies.

ALSO READ: China supports Gaza reconstruction plan endorsed by Palestine, Arab states

Fu also called for the protection of humanitarian workers and accountability for their deaths, pointing out that more than 400 aid workers have been killed in the conflict and stressing the need to safeguard humanitarian agencies.

"China urges Israel to immediately cease its military attacks on Gaza," Fu said, noting that military action cannot resolve the conflict and only prolongs the humanitarian crisis.

While welcoming the recent release of an American hostage, Fu called on the United States to play a fair and constructive role in bringing about a ceasefire.

READ MORE: China says it opposes forced displacement of people in Gaza

Reaffirming China's long-standing support for a two-State solution, he urged the international community to reject unilateral actions that undermine peace efforts and to rally behind political dialogue.

He expressed hope that a high-level conference on the two-State solution in June would help build consensus toward a lasting resolution.

China will continue to work with the international community to end the war and achieve a "comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine," Fu said.