Israel on Friday imposed a standard holiday blockade of Palestinian-controlled territories ahead of the week-long biblical festival of Passover.
Palestinian terrorists have traditionally exploited Jewish holidays to attacks large groups of Israelis gathered today in celebration.
But the blockade will not stop rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, which intensified over the past several days.
Some 45 rockets were fired from Gaza at communities in southern Israel from Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon. Several homes and other buildings were damaged, but no injuries were reported.
Israeli defense officials indicated on Thursday that with Gaza terror again escalating, talk of a large-scale military invasion of the Hamas-ruled strip has resumed. Sources cited in the Israeli press suggested that an incursion could be launched following US President George W. Bush's visit next month.