The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned the killing of Hamas' political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, saying "China firmly opposes and condemns the act of assassination".

"We are deeply concerned that this incident may lead to further instability in the region," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a daily press briefing, calling for negotiation and dialogue to resolve the regional dispute and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to be implemented as soon as possible.

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed in the Iranian capital of Tehran, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said on Wednesday.

The Islamic Hamas movement has confirmed the death of its leader, saying Haniyeh was assassinated by an Israeli attack in Iran. The Israeli army has not yet made an official comment on the killing.

Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

(With input from Xinhua)