Ehud Olmert (file)

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has warned Palestinian militantsthat Israel will respond with force if attacks from the Gaza Strippersist in violation of a recent truce.

Mr. Olmert Tuesday saidIsrael's restraint thus far against the rocket attacks should not beinterpreted as weakness. He said if the calm is not maintained, Israelcould retaliate with "full force."

Earlier Tuesday, Israel againclosed its border with the Gaza Strip after accusing Palestinianmilitants of firing another rocket into southern Israel on Monday.

Gaza'sHamas rulers denied any rockets had been launched on Monday from theterritory. No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket, whichdid not cause damage or casualties.

Separately Tuesday,Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defense Minister EhudBarak expressed support for reaching a lasting peace deal in the regionsoon.

The two leaders made the comments after meeting on thesidelines of a meeting in Greece of representatives of the world'ssocialist parties (Socialist International).

Palestinianmilitants have fired several rockets from Gaza into Israeli territorydespite the Egyptian-brokered truce that took effect June 19 betweenHamas and Israel.

Egypt Tuesday opened its Rafah border crossingwith Gaza to allow for the limited passage of Palestinians stranded inEgypt and others seeking medical treatment abroad.

Two smallGaza factions said they launched last week's rockets to protest Israelimilitary raids in the West Bank, which is not covered by thecease-fire. Hamas has warned that it will take action against anyoneviolating the truce.