China on Tuesday called for a cease-fire in Gaza and pledged to work with the international community to get the Palestine-Israel issue back on track to political settlement.

"China urges the relevant sides to stop military action and armed conflict to prevent the civilians casualties and create condition for peaceful talks and political settlement," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

He told a regular press conference that China had been seriously concerned over the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza area.

Qin said Chinese government had done a lot in resolving the Gaza conflict.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. President George W. Bush, as well as Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, discussed the issue in a phone conversation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry and special envoy to the Middle-east region Sun Bigan have kept close contact with the parties involved.

China decided to offer $1 million in emergency humanitarian aid for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

"China will continue to offer humanitarian aid to Palestinian side with its own capability," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2009)