China urges Israel to consider humanitarian principles and improve living conditions and medical treatment for Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday.

Hong made the remark at a regular press briefing in response to a request for comment on the Arab League's recent decision to discuss the hunger strike with the UN General Assembly.

Dozens of Palestinian inmates in Israel have been on a hunger strike since April 17 to protest Israel's detention policies.

"China is concerned about the large number of Palestinians being held by Israel. China urges Israel to take concrete measures to improve their living conditions and medical treatment during detention and create a favorable environment for Israel and Palestine to enhance mutual trust, restart talks and properly handle related issues," Hong said.