The witnesses said that the Israeli army vehicles incurred on Friday night into northern Gaza Strip, and expanded its incursion on Saturday night, adding that the vehicles are close to residents' houses.

The incursion was followed by intensive gunfire, while Apache attack helicopters hovered over Bit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, said the witnesses.

The Israeli army confirmed the incursion, telling Israel Radio that the operation into northern Gaza Strip is aiming at preventing Palestinians from launching home made rockets from northern Gaza Strip at southern Israeli communities.

Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militants claimed responsibility on Saturday night for launching a homemade rocket from northern Gaza at southern Israel.

The group said in a statement that the rocket landed near the home of Sderout town mayor Elli Moyal.

Israeli Radio said no injuries or damages were reported.

Palestinian security sources said that right after the rocket was launched at southern Israel, the Israeli army responded by firing two ground-to-ground rockets at northern Gaza Strip. No injuries had been reported.

The sources expressed fears that the Israeli army is preparing for a large-scale operation into the Gaza Strip right after the end of the Jewish holidays following Israeli officials threat to carry out operations against rockets' launchers.