Foreign Minister Wang Yi reminded his Iranian counterpart that China supports Islamic nations in developing unity and cooperation on the Palestinian problem, while urging the international community to take action against any party that damages innocent civilians.

According to a readout from China's foreign ministry, Wang criticised excessive exercise of the right to self-defense in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday.

According to the statement, Wang stated that "the right to self-defense should be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and hostages."

The ministry stated that Wang backed Islamic nations "speaking with one voice" in respect to Palestine, notwithstanding the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Wang had already decried Israel's "collective punishment" of Gaza residents in a phone chat with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, saying its actions went beyond self-defense, according to the foreign ministry.

Wang stated that the current top goal was to de-escalate the situation and prevent a major humanitarian disaster in Gaza from jeopardizing the Middle East peace process.

He also reaffirmed Beijing's support for a Palestinian state as a solution to the Israel-Palestine issue.

"China will stand on the side of peace and justice and support the Palestinian people in their just cause of safeguarding their national rights," Wang said in a statement.