Egyptian Foreign Minister AhmedAbul Gheit on Tuesday denounced an Israeli raid on a Palestinian prison in the West Bank town of Jericho, the official MENA newsagency reported.

"Using violence to settle pending issues between the two sides contradicts all previously signed agreements," Abul Gheit was quoted as saying.

Egypt was in continuous contact with all parties concerned in order to contain the situation, he added.

The Egyptian top diplomat warned Israel against "adopting unilateral measures, using force and obstructing Palestinian security men carrying out their duties."

He also called on all Palestinian groups to exercise self-restraint.

Israeli forces raided the Jericho prison earlier Tuesday, demanding the surrender of six jailed militants including Ahmed Saadat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Saadat was accused by Israel of ordering the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi in 2001. The Israeli operation enraged PFLP militants who vowed to respond aggressively.

Palestinian sources said that PFLP kidnappers seized three French women, one Australian man, one American woman, one Swissman and two Koreans, following the Jericho prison confrontation.