The Jordanian government on Tuesday expressed grave concern over Israel's military operation in the West Bank town of Jericho, calling on the country to stop its raid on a Palestinian prison.

Israel's operation would have a negative effect on the situation in the Palestinian territory, a backlash for a memorandum of understanding reached between the two sides, government spokesman Nasser Judeh said in a statement.

He said the operation would act against efforts in advancing the peace process in the Middle East.

The Jordanian government would be in direct contact with the United States, Britain and the Palestinian National Authority, in order to urge all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and abide by agreements signed previously.

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, accused by Israel of ordering the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Rehavam Zeevi in 2001, surrendered to Israeli forces later in the day.

The Israeli operation enraged PFLP militants who vowed to respond aggressively.

Source: Xinhua