China urged both sides in the Gaza conflict to give up violence and instead join the Middle East peace process, a Chinese envoy said yesterday.

The humanitarian situation has deteriorated in the Gaza Strip after Israel mounted an air and ground offensive against Hamas on Dec 27, but envoy Sun Bigan has urged both sides to sustain their recent cease-fire.

"Israel must stop military action in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, Hamas should stop launching rockets into Israel. This is very clear," Sun said during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We have been urging Hamas to face reality and join the Middle East peace process in the fundamental interest of the Palestinians."