China welcomes the agreement and hopes that this agreement will be implemented effectively and that there will be a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

Guo's remarks came after Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on ceasefire in Gaza and release of people being held on January 15 following intensive mediation.

Guo said that since the outbreak of the current round of conflict in Gaza, China has been calling for an early ceasefire and working actively for deescalation, protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance. China supports the implementation of the ceasefire deal and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and make strong effort for the resumption of post-war reconstruction.

"We also sincerely hope that relevant parties will take the ceasefire in Gaza as an opportunity to further deescalate the tensions in the region. China will work with the international community to make unremitting effort for peace and stability in the Middle East." Guo added. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)