Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Thursday of a looming war in the Middle East region as Israel intensified attacks on Lebanon in addition to its Gaza offensive.

Abbas made the remarks at a joint news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"We warn of a regional war as Israel expanded its military operations to include Lebanon in addition to the Gaza Strip," Abbas told reporters.

"The attacks on Lebanon increase our fear for a regional war that will lessen the chance of peace and stability in the region and also threat international peace," Abbas added.

The Israeli army intensified reprisal attacks on Lebanon on Thursday after Hizbollah militia seized two Israeli soldiers and killed eight during clashes against Israeli forces in the Israel- Lebanon border area on Wednesday.

The Israeli military moves came as Israeli forces pressed ahead a large-scale air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to free an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants on June 25.

Abbas called on the Gazan abductors of the Israeli soldier to release the soldier immediately while urging Israel to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

About 85 Palestinians including civilians have been killed since Israel launched the massive operation on June 28.

The Palestinian president also urged the international community to intervene to prevent "dangerous deterioration" of the situation in the Mideast region, vowing to do his utmost toward an end to the circle of violence.

Koizumi, who is on a four-day visit to the Middle East, announced nearly 30 million U.S. dollars of aid to the Palestinians.

The money is expected to be channeled through international organizations to improve medical services, sanitation and sewerage in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Koizumi also called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations, saying that the only way to make peace was through talks.

Source: Xinhua