GAZA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The military wing of Hamas movement announced on Tuesday it had showered Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip with tens of home-made rockets and mortar shells.

    According to the latest statement by Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the total number of the missiles fired into southern Israel was 20 Qassam rockets and 75 mortar shells.

    Israeli sources confirmed some rockets have landed in open areas in Western Negev, denying casualties.

    The militants focused their rockets on Israeli army positions and settlements located in eastern and southern Gaza Strip.

    Hamas sources said the move was aimed to "decrease pressure on northern Gaza Strip" which Israeli army threatens to invade.

    The attacks were the most violent since November when Israel and the Palestinian militant group agreed to a ceasefire deal to take effect in the Gaza Strip.

    Earlier this week, Hamas called on the militants to resume violence against the Jewish state in response to a series of raids by the Israeli army that killed nine Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

    Saraya al-Quds Brigades of the Islamic jihad (Holy War) movement have also claimed responsibility for launching a rocket into Sofa crossing in southeast Gaza.