GAZA, April 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The Palestinian side denied Thursday that Israeli troops detained a former Palestinian intelligence chief at Rafah terminal.

    Well-informed sources said Brigadier Amin Al-Hindi, returning from a mission in the United States, just stayed a little longer than usual at the crossing due to a closure of checkpoints imposed by Israel.

    Israeli army divided the Gaza Strip into two parts Wednesday by closing Abu Holi and Al Matahen checkpoints that link the northern and southern Gaza Strip citing security concerns. 

    This denial came after security sources reported Al-Hindi was held by the Israeli troops at the crossing for investigations Wednesday.

    Al-Hindi was among ten high-ranking officers who were forced to retire under a new Palestinian retirement law, which stipulates all security officers above the age of 60 must retire.  

    The new law is part of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' efforts to conduct reforms in the security section.  Enditem