Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9.

The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations',the military said in a statement.

They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added.

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Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election.

Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks.

Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also running for re-electionagainst former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office.

Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election.

His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.