CAIRO, April 8, 2007 (WAFA) - Egypt condemned Saturday Israeli air raids executed over northern Gaza Strip and reports of an incursion into Jebaliya refugee camp that took place earlier Saturday morning.

In a statement, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul-Gheit stressed the need for calm and self-control.

He demanded that Israel pull out of Gaza and immediately stop its military actions as "they do not contribute to efforts for reviving the peace process, but rather complicate matters." The Egyptian minister called on Palestinian factions to be wise and refrain from launching operations and firing rockets.

Lack of such wisdom, he said, would grant Israel the excuse it needed for such actions, at a time when Palestinian interests laid with holding negotiations that would ultimately lead to a fair compromise.

A.D (00.00P) (21.55GMT)