GAZA, Oct. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Minister of Communication Sabri Saidam denounced Tuesday that Israel carries out collective punishment by shutting down Gaza Strip terminals and borders.

   Saidam told the Voice of Palestine radio that the full closure by Israel on northern Gaza Strip crossing of Erez and Karni industrial crossing between Israel and Gaza Strip is turning the strip into a big jail.

   "This is really considered as a collective punishment against our people," Saidam said.

   Israel Radio reported Tuesday that the Erez and Karni crossings were shut down Monday night, clarifying that the step was made due to the Israeli Jewish holidays.

   Saidam denounced that Israel seeks to stirring up the situations through out its army raids, targeting activists and closing terminals.

   These measures will affect the whole situation, he said, adding calmness must be mutual and it can't be accepted that Israel continues its attacks while giving instructions to the Palestinians to control security. Enditem