Russia expressed on Sunday its concern over Israel's killing of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi, underlining that Russia's unacceptability of extra judicial punishments and "targeted killings."

"Moscow is seriously concerned about potential consequences and worsening tensions in the Middle East," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko.

"We have not doubt about Israel's right to defend itself from terrorist acts and protect its citizens, but it must act within international laws," said the spokesman.

"The use of force can not lead either to a Palestinian-Israeli settlement, or to a turn towards peace in the region," Alexander noted.

He urged Israel and Palestinians to show restraint, bear responsibility and resume the coordinated work in security issues, as well as implement the roadmap peace plan for the Middle East.

These measures "are the only way out of the current situation," he added.

Rantisi died Saturday evening of his wounds after Israeli armed forces blew up his car in Gaza City. The assassination came less than one month following the killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder and spiritual leader of Hamas, in a similar missile strike on March 22.

The killing of Rantisi was widely condemned by the European Union, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and many Arab countries.

Instead of criticizing Israel, an unnamed senior US State Department official said the United States gave no green light for Israel to kill Rantisi.

Source: Xinhua