China has asked for restraint in Gaza and called on Israel to stop illegal settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory.

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, told the UN Security Council that less than a month after the Council welcomed a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli government approved a flag march through Jerusalem's Old City which escalated tensions.

He said Israel once again conducted airstrikes in Gaza and these acts have cast a shadow over the already fragile ceasefire.

He urged Israel to observe UN Security Council resolution immediately, cease its settlement activities in the occupied territory, and stop its demolition of Palestinian houses and its eviction of the Palestinian people.