Israel decided on Monday to remove the Karni commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip, which was permanently closed nine months ago.

Citing security concerns, Israel decided to remove what was once the largest and main commercial crossing between Gaza and Israel.

Israeli military will dismantle all buildings of the crossing, east of Gaza City, as it has been a target for Gaza militants, Israeli official radio reported.

Karni is the third crossing with Israel since Hamas took over the Gaza strip in 2007. Israel decided to close the crossing last March and made sure that all goods to be brought into Gaza would go through Kerem Shalom crossing, southeast of the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Gaza-ruling Hamas movement rejected the move, saying such a step is meant to tighten the blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007.

"Leaving only one crossing between Israel and Gaza will aggravate the sufferings of Palestinians in the Strip," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.