The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip announced on Thursday that 29 new COVID-19 cases have been detected in the enclave, raising the total number of cases to 49.

Yousef Abu al-Rish, Gaza’s deputy health minister, said in a press conference that 29 infections were reported among citizens who recently returned from Egypt through Rafah crossing and they tested positive while in quarantine.

Abu al-Rish said that the health authorities are investigating if those infected patients have contacted others in Gaza.

It has been reported that a curfew might be imposed on the Gaza Strip during the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday which is expected to start Sunday.

Gaza MP and Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said in press statements that Hamas has decided to completely close border crossings to those returning to the Gaza Strip through Rafah or Erez starting next Saturday until the end of June

Al-Hayya stressed the need to tighten safety measures in Gaza public facilities and called on citizens to avoid social gatherings and abide by the instructions introduced by the Health Ministry to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).