Islamic Hamas movement deployed its forces on the outskirts of Gaza Strip to prevent any rocket fire into Israel, witnesses said.

The witnesses added that Hamas people in the National Security uniform were checking cars and the identities of people who travel outside the towns, especially in northern Gaza Strip.

Hamas authorities, which control Gaza Strip, did not comment on this.

The deployment came after Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, who is based in Damascus, said that his movement decided to halt rocket attacks on Israel for the time being.

Mashaal's remarks were made following Monday reports that Egypt had convoyed an Israeli letter to Hamas warning them of a possible military operation in the territory if rockets fire continue.

However, Hamas Monday denied any Israeli threat over rocket attacks.

The Israel Defense Forces launched a 22-day punishing military offensive in the Palestinian enclave, which ended on January 18, in response to continued rocket attacks at its southern land, leaving over 1,300 Gazans and 13 Israelis killed.