BERLIN - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday condemned the Israeli airstrike in the Qatari capital of Doha as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity and "unacceptable".

According to a statement from the German federal government, Merz made the outcry during a phone call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Merz also stressed that the war "must not expand to the entire region".

The German government is in close contact with the Israeli government regarding the situation, the statement noted.

On Tuesday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also called Israel's attack "unacceptable" and warned that it jeopardizes the negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In a press statement, Wadephul expressed his concern for the life and safety of the hostages, especially those of German nationals.