Jihad may attack regardless of peace deal

GAZA, June 25 (UPI) -- Islamic Jihad militants Wednesday said they may move forward with attacks in western Israel, regardless of a six-day cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak called for the closure of passageways where goods are brought into the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported.

Barak's orders came a day after Palestinian Qassam rocket attacks on the western Negev region.

The crossings were supposed to open Wednesday morning, permitting goods to enter the poverty-stricken strip, authorities said.

Israeli military liaison Peter Lerner said the passageways would be reopened "in accordance with security considerations."

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri criticized Israel's orders to shut the crossings.

"The closure by the occupation is a violation of the deal for calm in Gaza," Abu Zuhri said.