"We are very concerned about the current escalation of tensions," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in which it called "on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and immediately cease hostilities." "We are very concerned about the current escalation of tensions" The statement also called for the protection of civilians and to use all possible means to avoid a new "deterioration of the situation." "The recurrence of this conflict demonstrates once again that the paralysis of the peace process cannot continue," the statement continued, in relation to the stagnation of the peace dialogue between Israel and Palestine, which has now been going on for more than 10 years. "The fundamental solution to this conflict lies in the implementation of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine," he continued, the Europa Press news agency reported. "The international community needs to urgently act on the Palestinian issue, facilitate the rapid resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel and find a way to negotiate a lasting peace," China said. Beijing "will work tirelessly to contribute to that end," he added.