SHANGHAI -- China on Monday called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war as it hosted a delegation from Islamic countries, led by the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

"A cease-fire is no longer diplomatic rhetoric but a matter of life and death for the people in Gaza," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as Beijing attempts to play a more prominent role in mediating the conflict . In doing so, China has thrown its weight behind Middle Eastern countries frustrated with what they see as Washington's unwillingness to sufficiently pressure Israel to agree to a truce.