The Israeli army shut down on Tuesday morning the major roadblocks in central Gaza Strip "for the whole day for technical reasons", Palestinian security sources reported.

Shutting down the two roadblocks of Abu Houli and al-Mattahen is dividing the Gaza Strip into two isolated areas, which blocks the Palestinian traffics from reaching Gaza City.

The Israeli army roadblocks are closed to the Gush Katif Jewish settlements' compound. Palestinian security sources said that closing the road is to prevent Jewish settlers and anti-pullout groups from demonstrating at the area.

Meanwhile, Saraya al-Quds, armed wing of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) claimed responsibility for launching homemade mortars at two Jewish settlements in southern Gaza Strip.

The two groups made their statements in two separate leaflets to reporters. Both said that the homemade mortar shells attacks on the settlement was a response to the daily Israeli violations.

Source: Xinhua