Most Asian stock indices traded lower concerns over tensions in Ukraine and Israel's invasion into Gaza. A Malaysian Airlines passenger jet crashed in eastern Ukraine. All 298 people on board died.

Israel' troops and tanks moved into Hamas-controlled Gaza. That is Israel's first ground operation in the area since 2009.

Bank of Japan released its monetary policy minutes. Members of BoJ's board agreed that the economic recovery will remain on track. The BoJ added that consumer inflation were expected to continue rising moderately and will slow only temporarily.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,215.71 -154.55 -1.01%

Hang Seng 23,454.79 -66.08 -0.28%

Shanghai Composite 2,059.07 +3.48 +0.17%