China yesterday joined the international community in calling for peace in Gaza.

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang called for military operations in Gaza Strip to cease immediately and effective measures to be taken to ease the tension.

Li, who is paying a four-day official visit to Kuwait, called for peace during his meeting with Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

He said China is "shocked" by the military operation in Gaza and it "runs counter to the efforts made by the international community".

Li urged the two sides, Israel and the Palestinians, mainly Hamas, to resolve their differences through dialogue and realize peace and stability in the Middle East as early as possible.

"China supports the efforts made by all parties, especially the Arab countries, to realize a comprehensive, just peace in the region," he said.

Zhang Xiaodong, an expert on Middle East affairs at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said violence will not solve the long-standing problem in Gaza.

"Only after the two sides realize that violence makes no sense and they have no other choices except peaceful dialogue, can it come to an end," he said.

Persuasion¹ and help from other countries, such as humanitarian² aid, can only ease the suffering of residents living in the war-torn region, but the final resolution relies on the two sides, Zhang said.

Appeals for peace poured in from various countries and organizations.