A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged Israel to "renounce its obsession with the use of force" and immediately cease military operations in Gaza after the latest Israeli airstrikes killed hundreds of Palestinians.

"China regrets the harm done to the hard-won ceasefire and is gravely concerned about Israel's resumption of hostilities in Gaza. We strongly condemn this," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council.

"Since the ceasefire agreement was reached, it should be fully and seriously implemented in good faith, and no attempt should be made to alter or undermine it midway," Fu said.

Fu urged Israel, as the occupying power, to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law and immediately restore full humanitarian access to Gaza.