US Senator John Kerry arrived in the Hamas-ruled Gaza on Thursday shortly after two US Democratic congressmen visited to the enclave, witnesses in Gaza said.

"I came to Gaza to evaluate the situation closely," Kerry told reporters upon his arrival in Gaza. Asked if he intends to meet any of Hamas movement's officials, he said, "No, I have no plans to meet with them."

Kerry is the chairman of the US Senate's Foreign Relations Committee. His visit to the Gaza Strip was followed by a short visit to southern Israeli town of Sderot, which has been a target by Gaza militants' homemade rocket attacks.

Kerry was seen entering the enclave by UN vehicles. He toured several areas in the Gaza Strip destroyed by the Israeli army during a 22-day air, sea and ground military offensive on the enclave that ended on January 18.

Earlier on Thursday, Democratic congressmen, Brian Baird and Keith Ellison, also arrived in Gaza through Erez crossing in northern Gaza Strip and started touring areas hit by Israel during its major military offensive.

Hamas movement said in a statement that "We are not interested to meet the American officials. All what we care about is to let these officials come to see our people's suffering in the Gaza Strip."