JERUSALEM, May 7 (UPI) -- Israel has stepped up security after an increase in intelligence warnings about potential terrorist attacks as it celebrates 60 years of independence.

Both the military and the Shin Bet security service increased their preparedness ahead of the Independence Day holiday due to 11 specific warnings in recent days, sources told Haaretz.

Haaretz said Wednesday that communities near the Gaza Strip were on alert for anticipated rocket attacks.

Meanwhile, Israel paused for its annual Remembrance Day, which was marked by the traditional blasts from air-raid warning sirens in honor of the nation's war dead and victims of terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said in a speech on Mount Herzl that while Israel mourned those who had perished, he maintained Israel would not negotiate with Hamas, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Ynetnews said Olmert added that the long-running conflict with the Palestinians was by no means "an unresolvable conflict."