ReliefWeb

GAZA, Jun 12, 2005 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Israeli army imposed a full closure on the Gaza Strip and West Bank Sunday for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot that lasts till Monday night.

Israeli Army Radio said the closure is aimed to fend off Palestinian militant attacks during the holiday.

Palestinian sources said Israeli troops have set up checkpoints on main roads leading to the West Bank towns of Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm and the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis to step up security efforts.

Israel often imposes closure on the Palestinian territories over holidays, fearing that Palestinian militants will attempt to carry out attacks during the holiday celebrations.

Meanwhile, the radio reported that Israeli soldiers arrested on Sunday predawn an unarmed Palestinian in central Gaza who attempted to infiltrate through the security fence near a Jewish settlement.

The Palestinian was under inquiry by the Israeli security forces.