Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon on Monday warned of a tough military response in the Gaza Strip if an abducted Israeli soldier was harmed by his Palestinian captors, local TV reported.

"If they (Palestinian militants) should hurt the soldier, our operations will be far worse," Ramon told TV Channel 2.

Ramon spelt out the threat after three Palestinian military groups holding Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit set 6:00 a.m. (0300 GMT) Tuesday as the deadline for Israel to free Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails for information about the hostage.

The three militant groups, including Hamas' armed wing Izz el- Deen al-Qassam Brigades, warned that Israel could bear all consequences, if it fails to meet their demands.

The Israeli government rejected the ultimatum, saying that Israel would not succumb to blackmail or hold any negotiations on the release of prisoners.

Israel has held the Palestinian National Authority fully responsible for Shalit's safety and release.

Source: Xinhua