BEIRUT -- Iran urged Arab states on Monday to help the Palestinians cope with a punishing Israeli economic blockade ahead of this week's Arab summit.

"The most important thing the summit must achieve is economic support for the Palestinians. Israel is trying to stop the Palestinian uprising through economic pressure," the Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said.

Arab leaders meet in Amman on March 27-28 to discuss the potential for Middle East peace after hardliner Ariel Sharon took power in Israel last month. The summit is expected to focus on ways to help the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation.

Palestinians officials have said promises of financial assistance at a similar summit last year have been largely unrealized. Frequent Israeli closures of the West Bank and Gaza have sharply cut Palestinian sources of income.

"The Palestinians are under harsh conditions. Muslims should not allow the economic situation to stop the uprising," added Kharrazi after meeting Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.

Kharrazi said he delivered a letter from Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Lahoud.

More than 400 people, the majority of them Palestinians, have been killed since late September, when the Palestinian revolt erupted.