MOSCOW -- Palestinian President Yasser Arafat warned Russia on Monday of an "extremely dangerous" situation in the Middle East and a Palestinian envoy called on Moscow to step up its peacemaking efforts, Reuters reported.

Russia is, with the United States, a cosponsor of the stalled Middle East peace process but its influence on events in the region has waned with its decline from superpower status.

Arafat, in a message, told Russian President Vladimir Putin "an extremely dangerous situation has developed as a result of Israel's aggression on Palestinian territories", a spokesman for the Palestinian representation in Moscow said.

At the same time, the Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow, Khairi al-Oridi, urged Russia to "accelerate its efforts to take the Middle East situation out of its impasse".

Arafat sent his message as Israeli tanks and troops took over Tulkarem in the West Bank in the deepest incursion into a Palestinian-ruled city during 16 months of bloodshed.

The Israeli raid was launched in reprisal for a deadly Palestinian attack in northern Israel.

At least 810 Palestinians and 246 Israelis have been killed since a Palestinian uprising began after peace talks crumbled.