Israel responsible for consequences of its barbaric attack, Maher

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher on Friday held Israel responsible for the consequences of its "barbaric acts against the Palestinians and their Authority."

During the press conference he held at the Foreign Ministry, Maher called on Israel to immediately halt these acts, to withdraw its troops and to accept the basis on which talks can be held between it and the PA.

Twenty four hours after declaring the Arab peace initiative Israel responded by declaring war, he said.

Aggression against Arafat and the Palestinains and storming into al Aqsa mosque court are indications of the real Israeli intentions, he said.

Egypt asked Israel to immediately end its aggression on the Palestinians, warning that the new and repeated invasion of Palestinian lands would have grave repercussions and would push things towards a vicious cycle of violence.

Meantime, in a statement issued by the presidency late Friday, Egypt warned against any Israeli attempt to target the Palestinian Authority or president, asserting this would be a stark violation of all laws and international agreements.

The statement called on international peace advocates, the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United nations to swiftly intervene and take the necessary practical measures to end the Israeli aggression and contain its repercussions.