(AFP) -- The raids on eight companies came hours after the Israeli [regim] declared that it would not deal with an emerging Palestinian unity government that includes Hamas unless the group made radical changes.

Israeli officials said the raids targeted companies that provide services to Hamas television stations. Notices were posted saying the companies were to be closed for six months.

"Israeli army forces last night raided eight Palestinian production and media companies that provide services to Al-Aqsa and Al-Quds TV channels," the head of an Israeli [war] ministry unit known as COGAT, Yoav Mordechai, wrote on Facebook, referring to Hamas channels.

The Palestinian Authority said it condemned the raids "in the strongest terms".

"Occupation forces committed a blatant aggression and gross violation of all international laws when they stormed Palestinian cities and raided media offices," PA government spokesman Yusef al-Mahmoud said in a statement.

(Photo: AFP)