Beijing condemns Israeli airstrike on Doha

China's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Tuesday's attack by Israel on Qatar's capital Doha as a violation of the Arab nation's territorial sovereignty and national security.

Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in Doha, targeting a building housing senior Hamas officials, in what Israeli authorities described as an attempt to assassinate leaders of the group.

Five members of Hamas and a Qatari security officer were killed in the strike, while key members of the negotiating team survived, Xinhua reported.

"We are deeply concerned that the attack may lead to further escalation of tensions in the region, and we are displeased with the deliberate efforts of relevant parties to undermine the Gaza ceasefire talks," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Referring to the ongoing Gaza conflict that has lasted for nearly two years, Lin said that force could never be traded for peace in the Middle East, and that dialogue and negotiation are the only way out.

"China strongly urges all relevant parties, especially Israel, to make more positive efforts to end the war and resume negotiations, rather than the opposite," he said at a daily news conference in Beijing.

In response to media reports that Israel notified the United States in advance of Tuesday's attack, Lin added: "We urge the major country to prioritize the peace and stability of the region, uphold a fair and responsible attitude, and work with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire and easing regional tensions."