Beijing has condemned the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and called for a cease-fire in Gaza as soon as possible.

Both Iran and Hamas confirmed on Wednesday that Haniyeh was killed in an attack in the Iranian capital Tehran.

China "firmly opposes and condemns the act of assassination," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

"We feel worried that the issue may cause further turbulence in the region," Lin told a regular news conference.

Noting that China always believes that regional disputes should be settled through negotiations and dialogue, Lin called for an early, comprehensive and permanent cease-fire in Gaza to avoid further escalation of conflicts.