Israel keeps Gaza borders sealed

Israel said it was keeping all border crossings with the Gaza Strip closed on Sunday following rocket and mortar fire from the impoverished Palestinian territory.

"Following mortar and rocket fire, the border crossings we had expected to open will remain closed," defence ministry spokesman Shlomo Dror said.

He said the restriction covers all goods and people except the sick, who would be allowed to travel to and from the Hamas-run territory.

Defence Minister Matan Vilnai said on Saturday a major incursion into Gaza was becoming more likely after militant mortar fire wounded seven soldiers at a nearby base on Friday.

Israel has allowed food into the Gaza Strip on only three days since a flare-up of violence on the border on November 4 prompted it to tighten its blockade of the aid-dependent territory.

A truce went into force on June 19 between Israel and the Islamic movement Hamas, but since November 4 there has been a spate of cross-border attacks.