Israel shuts Gaza crossings after rocket fire

By Abdelrauf Arnaut

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli military on Monday decided to close two main crossings with the Gaza Strip, following rocket fire from the Palestinian territory.

Major General Abu Rokon, the coordinator of government activities in the territories, said the Erez (Beit Hanoun) and Kerem Shalom crossings will be shut until further notice, according to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Israeli authorities also decided to reduce the fishing zone for Palestinian fishermen off Gaza's coast.

The restrictions came shortly after Israeli authorities said seven people were injured when a rocket hit a home in central Israel early Monday.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will cut short his current visit to the U.S. and vowed to "respond with great force" against Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.

There was no Palestinian claim of responsibility for the rocket fire.