Hong Kong stocks opened lower Monday following a weak lead from Wall Street, while traders kept a worried eye on the Middle East as Israel stepped up its air and ground operations against Hamas in Gaza.

The Hang Seng Index lost 0.99 percent to 17,226.

The Shanghai Composite Index dipped 0.27 percent to 3,010, and the Shenzhen Composite Index on the mainland's second exchange fell 0.21 percent to 1,855. (AFP)