India on Tuesday said the killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in an Israeli missile strike appalled it.

India called for restraint and a resumption of the peace process in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.

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"We are appalled by the killing in Gaza of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, spiritual leader of Hamas yesterday in an Israeli missile strike. We believe that it would exacerbate the cycle of violence and counter-violence, not only in Gaza but also elsewhere in the region," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in Delhi.

Israeli helicopters had fired three missiles at the car carrying the wheelchair bound paraplegic leader as he left a mosque near his house in Gaza City, killing him instantly.

Sixty-seven-year-old Yassin and his six bodyguards were among those killed, while at least 15 people were wounded.