An Islamic militant group on Friday claimed responsibility for firing five mortar shells at an Israeli army force in southern Gaza Strip, after the force rolled into the area, Xinhua reported.
Al-Quds Brigades, armed wing of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement, said in a leaflet sent to reporters that its militants confronted the invading Israeli army force with five mortar shells.
"Our fighters confronted the army force as soldiers tried to infiltrate into the area near Kissufim gate on the borders between southern Gaza Strip and Israel, where the soldiers forced to pull back," said the leaflet.
An Israeli army response was not immediately available. However, local sources and eyewitnesses said that the Israeli army force tried to sneak into an area east of the town of al-Gararah, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip.
They said they heard explosions and gunshots, but no injuries were reported from both sides.
Meanwhile, Israel on Friday closed down all Gaza Strip commercial crossing points, according to Raed Fatouh, the Palestinian liaison officer for goods entry into Gaza, adding that the crossings will be also closed on Saturday.
The closure of Gaza Strip crossings came a day after the Israeli cabinet decided on Thursday to ease the three-year tight blockade that had been imposed on the Gaza Strip since Hamas seized control of the enclave in June 2007. Enditem