Israel's attack in Qatar jeopardises the chances of a speedy end to the war in Gaza and release of of hostages held by Hamas, Australia warns.

Israel struck the capital Doha on Tuesday targeting the leadership of Hamas, which Australia designates a terror group, and said five of the group's members were killed.

Qatar has served as a negotiator in peace talks between Israel and Hamas during the war in Gaza.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Israeli strikes were a violation of Qatar's sovereignty.

"They risk a ceasefire in Gaza, they do not help in terms of a return of the hostages and they also risk an escalation in what's occurring in the Middle East," he told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.

"For all those reasons, we are deeply concerned about Israel's strikes on Qatar.

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