UPDATE - Germany slams 'unacceptable' Israeli strike on Qatar

ADDS REMARKS FROM FOREIGN MINISTER JOHANN WADEPHUL

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany on Tuesday criticized Israel’s attack on the Qatari capital as “unacceptable.”

"Israel's attack in Doha not only violates Qatar's territorial sovereignty, but also jeopardizes all our efforts to release the hostages. This blow is unacceptable,” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement.

“Qatar is playing a crucial role in the efforts toward a ceasefire and the release of the hostages. I expressed my solidarity, thanks, and appreciation to my Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed, for these efforts,” he added.

Qatar strongly condemned the attack, which targeted Hamas’ chief negotiators in Doha, as a “blatant violation of international law” and a threat to its sovereignty and security. The Gulf state, along with Egypt and the US, has been leading mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.

Wadephul also urged stepped-up diplomatic efforts to solve the war in the Gaza Strip.

“I urgently call for everything possible to be done now to ensure that a ceasefire is finally achieved and that the hostages can return to their families,” he said.

The foreign minister expressed “deep concern” about the situation with the hostages -- among them are German citizens.