The armed wings of Islamic Jihad (Holy War) and the Fatah movement on Sunday claimed joint responsibility for a deadly attack near the junction of Kissufim in the central Gaza Strip.

Saraya Al Quds and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said in a telephone call to local reporters in Gaza that they were responsible for the attack, in which five Jewish settlers, namely a mother and four children, were killed.

Israel Radio said that two Palestinian militants standing near aroad leading to the Kissofim junction east of the Gaza Strip town of Deir El Ballah opened fire at a passing vehicle, killing five people in the car and injuring the other four.

An Israeli army patrol accompanying the settlers' car shot back and killed the two militants, the radio added.

Palestinian sources said that the militants stood about two meters away from the targeted car when the raid took place and theylater saw the bodies of the two militants laid on the ground.

The Israeli army tightened security measures on Sunday, splitting the Gaza Strip into three separate parts and restricting Palestinians' movement to ward off attacks when Israel's ruling Likud party was holding a referendum on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan.

Source: Xinhua