CAIRO, Aug 2 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt's armed forces blocked roads leading to the border strip in North Sinai's city of Rafah Saturday, following heavy Israeli shelling of neighbouring Gaza strip, security sources said.

The army vacated residential areas near the border after flying shrapnel from the Isareli shelling of Gaza shattered windows and damaged houses, the source added.

Citizens were urged to stay away from the area, and warned to be cautious.

Residents of the city told Aswat Masriya they were forced to flee their homes in light of renewed Israeli shelling of neighboring Gaza Strip.

More than 1,500 Palestinians were killed since Israel waged its offensive on Gaza Strip on July 8th.