Beijing: Israel's actions have gone "beyond the scope of self-defense" and the country should stop the collective punishment of Palestinians, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Sunday over a phone call.

"Israel's actions have gone beyond self-defense, Israel should seriously heed the calls of the international community and the UN Secretary-General and stop collectively punishing the residents of the Gaza Strip," Wang stated in a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang also expressed China's strong opposition to any acts of violence against civilians and urged an urgent resumption of negotiations.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7  conducted a surprise rocket attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in Israel's declaration of war and the launch of counter-attacks.

The following day, Israel imposed a full blockade on the Gaza Strip, which is home to over two million people, thus cutting off access to water, food, and fuel.

This was followed by an ultimatum to residents of Gaza to evacuate the northern part of the enclave and head south, with the Israeli military warning of imminent attacks against Hamas targets.

The Israeli military also notified a safe route and a time window for the civilians to evacuate to the southern part of the region. However, Hamas asked the people to ignore Israel's message and instead stay put.

Israel has alleged that Hamas is preventing the civilians in northern Gaza from evacuating their homes ahead of its probable ground incursion.

Numerous international organizations and human rights groups denounced the mass displacement as having serious humanitarian implications.

(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)