China on Monday called for de-escalating the Gaza situation and effectively easing the humanitarian crisis following reports that at least 73 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip.

"China is deeply concerned about the current situation in Gaza and opposes and condemns all acts that harm civilians and violate international law," Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing.

He said that civilians should never be targeted in conflicts, and the safety of international humanitarian workers must be protected.

China hopes all parties will reach a cease-fire arrangement as soon as possible, de-escalate the situation and effectively ease the humanitarian crisis on the ground, he added.