China deeply concerned by Israeli abduction

China on Wednesday voiced deep concern about the recent disappearance of three Israelis and the ensuing tensions between Israel and Palestine.

"We have noticed the reports and are deeply concerned by the kidnapping of the three and ensuing tension," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Hua's comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that Hamas was behind the kidnapping and said he will provide proof "soon".

During a visit to Saudi Arabia last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the three are "human beings like us and they should be returned to their families," adding that whoever kidnapped them "wants to destroy us [the Palestinian Authority]." Palestinian security forces have helped Israeli counterparts in attempts to retrieve the missing boys and arrest their captors.

"China condemns any violence that targets civilians. We believe that military force cannot resolve the problem, but will aggravate feud," Hua said.

She called for Israel and Palestine to increase communication and cooperation.

"We urge Israel to exercise restraint and avoid overeaction," Hua said.