Beijing, Rabi'II 19, 1433, Mar 12, 2012, SPA - China has urged Israel to halt air strikes on the Gaza Strip, and called for an immediate cease-fire. China's call came in remarks made (in this context) by the Spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Liu Wei-Mein. The Spokesman also expressed China's concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza. "We call on Israel to halt air strikes on Gaza in order to avoid casualties of the innocent civilians," he noted. --SPA 13:22 LOCAL TIME 10:22 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/978705