Israel is lifting all security restrictions imposed during several days of fighting with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in connection with the observance of the ceasefire between the country and the Gaza-based group. This was reported by The Times of Israel.

On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the gradual lifting of security measures, including the opening of roads near the Gaza border. They had been closed since last week, after Israel arrested Islamic Jihad leader Bassam al-Saadi.

The IDF also said that residents of communities in the Gaza Strip no longer need to stay at bomb shelters, and that regular rail service between the southern cities of Ashkelon and Sderot should resume at noon. The Eshkol Regional Council in Israel's Southern District reported a "full return to normal life," including the lifting of restrictions on mass gatherings and the possible resumption of educational activities and agricultural work.

In addition, the Palestinian military spokesman announced that the crossings between Israel and Gaza will reopen for humanitarian purposes after an assessment of the security situation.

The attacks came amid rising tensions in the Palestinian territories after Bassam al-Saadi was detained in an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin early last week.

The Israeli army said an offensive in Gaza could take a week. But Israel's head of domestic intelligence, Shin Bet, recommended on Sunday that the offensive in Gaza be halted, saying it had achieved its objectives by dealing a heavy blow to the terrorist group.

The truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad, brokered by Egypt, went into effect at 11:30 p.m., Aug. 7.

According to the Ministry of Health, at least 31 Palestinians were killed, including six children and four women, and more than 275 were wounded in the Israeli offensive.