BEIJING - China on Friday called on relevant parties to show restraint and avoid escalating the situation regarding a series of attacks in southern Israel and the retaliatory airstrike it launched.

"We condemn any violent and terrorist actions targeting civilians. We call on relevant parties to show restraint and avoid counter-violence that may make the situation worse," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.

On Thursday, eight Israelis were killed and many others wounded in a series of attacks in the Red Sea resort town of Eilat in southern Israel.

Hours after the attacks, Israeli air forces launched retaliatory attacks in the southern Gaza Strip, killing a number of Palestinians.

"China was deeply concerned about the tense situation in the region, and worried about casualties it caused for both sides," Ma said.

The Islamic Hamas movement denied responsibility for the attacks in Eilat, but pledged to respond if Israel launched retaliatory strikes in Gaza.