Chinese envoy to visit region soon

China's special Middle East envoy will return to the region in the coming days to press for a halt to fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The emissary, Sun Bigan, would visit Egypt, Gaza and Israel, spokesman Qin Gang said.

Qin expressed Beijing's concern over the escalating conflict, which has sparked protests across the world and lead to international pressure on Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire.