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April 30-May 1, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. The rocket impacts south of the kibbutz. No injuries or damage are reported in the attack. ("Kassam Attack South of Yad Mordechai," IsraelNationalNews, April 30, 2006). April 30, 2006: At least six terrorist gangs have agreed to join the new Hamas army being formed under the direction of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Interior Ministry, led by a wanted Hamas terrorist leader. The Al Kassam Brigades, which is associated with Hamas, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, associated with Fatah, and the Popular Resistance Committee are joining the special force. Other groups include the Jihad Jibril Brigades. ("Six Terrorist Groups Joining Hamas Army," IsraelNationalNews, April 30, 2006). April 28-29, 2006: IDF artillery forces fire on Qassam rocket launching sites in the Gaza Strip. The artillery barrage comes in response to four Qassam rockets fired at Israel on Friday, April 27, none of which caused damage or injuries. (Gideon Alon and Nir Hasson, "IDF Artillery Strikes Qassam Launching Sites in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, April 29, 2006). April 28, 2006: The leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command warns the United States and Israel that if they attacked Syria or Iran, members of his terrorist organization would fight them. "We will not allow any aggression against Syria or the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ahmed Jibril told a rally of about 1,000 supporters in a Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital. "I say it frankly, we will not only be on their side, we will be in the forefront," said Jibril. ("PFLP-GC Leader Warns Israel, U.S. Against Attacking Iran," Associated Press, April 28, 2006). April 28, 2006: A senior IDF official states that Palestinian terrorists have smuggled a number of Katyusha rockets into the Gaza Strip, potentially threatening towns well inside Israel. According to the official, since last summer's disengagement from the Gaza Strip, terrorists have managed to smuggle the Katyushas via tunnels along the southern border with Egypt. Some parts entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, which is is controlled by Palestinian security forces along with European monitors. (Gideon Alon and Nir Hasson, "IDF Artillery Strikes Qassam Launching Sites in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, April 29, 2006). April 27, 2006: The IAF targets and destroys a vehicle in Gaza that had been converted into a mobile rocket launcher by Palestinian terrorists. ("Vehicle Targeted by IDF Was Used to Fire Kassams," IsraelNationalNews, April 27, 2006). April 26, 2006: - The IDF announces that its forces (Nahal Haredi) apprehended three Fatah terrorists on April 25th, including one in possession of a six-kilogram explosive vest. The terrorists were detained in a village near Nablus. - IDF special forces capture a wanted Islamic Jihad terrorist in the town of El-Yamoun, northwest of Jenin. Enemy gunmen fire at IDF forces during the operation. - IDF and Border Police forces seize a weapons stockpile, inluding mortar shells, rocket propelled grenades and explosives near the West Bank town of Hebron. Two Palestinians are arrested during the raid. ("Declassified: Fatah Suicide Bomber Arrested Yesterday," IsraelNationalNews, April 26, 2006; "Special Forces Apprehend Islamic Jihad Terrorist," IsraelNationalNews, April 26, 2006; "Weapons Found Southwest of Hevron," IsraelNationalNews, April 26, 2006). April 25, 2006: Jordan determines that five Palestinian legislators have been helping Hamas smuggle weapons into the Hashemite kingdom. According to Jordanian security sources, five (Hamas) members of the Palestinian Legislative Council helped smuggle rocket launchers, automatic weapons and ammunition. ("Hamas Weapons to Jordan Linked to PA Legislators," Middle East Newsline, April 25, 2006). April 25, 2006: - IDF forces capture wanted Hamas terrorist Farhat Assad in the Palestinian Authority town of Al-Tira, adjacent to Modi'in in central Israel. - Hamas chief Ismail Haniya, elected as PA prime minister, responds to the tape by Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. "There is an unjust blockade imposed on the Palestinian people which is pushing parties and individuals to express their solidarity..." In the message, Bin Laden states that the Hamas government was on the front line of a "war by crusaders and Zionists against Islam." ("IDF Captures Wanted Hamas Terrorist," IsraelNationalNews, April 25, 2006; "Hamas PM Comments on Bin Laden Support," IsraelNationalNews, April 25, 2006). April 24, 2006: - A Palestinian terrorist is killed after he opens fire towards IDF soldiers patrolling the Gaza-Israel border. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket towards Kibbutz Zikim, south of Ashkelon. No injuries or damage are reported. (Amos Harel, "Palestinian Gunman Killed After Firing at Troops Near Gaza border," Ha'aretz, April 24, 2006; "Arab Terrorists Fire another Kassam Near Ashkelon," IsraelNationalNews, April 24, 2006). April 23, 2006: IDF forces seize a weapons cache in Hebron. Two shotguns and 700 bullets are found, along with other weapons. ("Weapons Cache Discovered in Hebron," IsraelNationalNews, April 23, 2006). April 23, 2006: - Two Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorists are shot dead during an operation by Border Police troops in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Ahmed Muslah, 28, a senior Al-Aqsa operatives from the Deheisheh refugee camp, is killed outright, and the second man dies of his wounds in an Israeli hospital after his arrest. A third operative is also arrested. An Israel Defense Forces spokeswoman said that the troops had opened fire as they were chasing the car in which the wanted men were traveling. She said that the three inside the vehicle had shot at the soldiers, although they had failed to hit them. - Abu Udai, Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades commander, promises quick, painful response that will include "upcoming attacks on Tel Aviv, using Grad rockets and other methods...[which] will be beginning of our wave of retaliation." "The coming hours will show the seriousness of the group's intention and the start of preparations to attack Tel Aviv with a Grad missile from the West Bank...We tell the occupiers, our response will be crushing and the Israelis will regret their crimes." (Gideon Alon and Nir Hasson, "Border Police Kill Two Fatah Militants in Bethlehem Operation," Ha'aretz, April 23, 2006; Ali Waked, "Al-Aqsa: Rockets on Tel Aviv in 48 Hours," YnetNews, April 23, 2006). April 23, 2006: Hamas loyalists, backed by Palestinian Authority police, rescue the new PA Health Minister after Fatah supporters charge into the Health Ministry building in Gaza City, shooting and injuring three people. ("Hamas Gunmen Rescue PA Health Minister," IsraelNationalNews, April 23, 2006). April 23, 2006: The new chief of the paramilitary police force in the Palestinian Authority proclaims that his only enemy is the Jews. Jamal Abu Semhadana tells the British Sunday Telegraph newspaper that he was selected to create a force that the PA plans to transform into a "nucleus of the future Palestinian army." ("PA Police Chief: ‘Jews Are the Only Enemy’," IsraelNationalNews, April 23, 2006). April 23, 2006: Outgoing Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz states that (Palestinian) Islamic Jihad attempted to fire a Grad missile (Katyusha) against Ashkelon on Friday, April 21. ("Palestinian Jihad Islami Tried to Shoot a Grad Rocket Against Ashkelon Friday," DebkaFile, April 23, 2006; Gideon Alo and Nir Hasson, "Mofaz: Islamic Jihad Launched Katyusha Rocket at Israel," Ha'aretz, April 23, 2006). April 22, 2006: Supporters of the rival Fatah and Hamas terrorist groups exchange gunfire and hurl firebombs at each other after Hamas's political chief accuses Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah of being a traitor. Dozens of Palestinian protesters are wounded in the clashes, the worst between the groups in several months. Fighting began when student supporters of the factions hurled stones at one another outside Gaza universities and intensified when gunmen joined in. Medics state at least 40 people have been wounded. Police forces are unable to control the clashes. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Fatah, Hamas Supporters Exchange Gunfire in Gaza," Ha'aretz, April 22, 2006; Arnon Regular, "Hamas, Fatah Agree to Work to End Tension After Clashes," Ha'aretz, April 23, 2006). April 20, 2006: The Palestinian minister of the interior and national security, Saeed Seyam of Hamas, announces the formation of a new armed "operational force" at his ministry that will constitute a police arm directly subordinate to him. According to Seyam, the new force will "spearhead" the restoration of law and order in Gaza and would be based on select police officers from the existing security services, as well as operatives from Hamas' military wing - the Iz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades - and senior members of other organizations active in Gaza during the conflict that have sworn allegiance to the Hamas government. "This is a new force that will assist the Palestinian police in maintaining order and security and it is part of a comprehensive plan aimed at restoring quiet and safety and public order to the streets of Gaza." Jemal Abu Semhadana is chosen as director-general of the new force. According to DebkaFile, Semhadana is the founder of the Palestinian Resistance Committees, manager of the Palestinian arms smuggling tunnels, and Middle East gunrunner. Semhadana also tops the list of wanted terrorists for engineering the murder of three American security contractors in the Gaza Strip three years ago. In addition, Semhadana spearheaded the recent Qassam missile offensive. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Hamas Forms Independent Police Force at Interior Ministry," Ha'aretz, April 21, 2006; "Hamas Names Notorious Terror Operative, Jemal Abu Sema Dana, to High Office with Responsibility for Palestinian Security Services," DebkaFile, April 20, 2006). April 20, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire at Israeli engineers working along the southern Israel-Gaza border near Kerem Shalom. No injuries or damage are reported. - Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at Israeli targets. One impacts in the southern Israeli community of Netiv Ha’asara, three land in an area south of Ashkelon, between Kibbutz Zikkim and Kibbutz Carmiyah, and one lands in the sea. No injuries or damage are reported. ("PA Arabs Fire at Engineers Near Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 20, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Attack Israel Thursday Morning," IsraelNationalNews, April 20, 2006). April 19, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a mortar at an IDF military base near Nachal Oz, in the western Negev. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket into the western Negev. The rocket impacts near Kibbutz Carmia. ("Mortar Shell Fired Into IDF Base," IsraelNationalNews, April 19, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Fired Tonight at Negev Kibbutz," IsraelNationalNews, April 19, 2006). April 17, 2006: - A Palestinian suicide bomber kills 9 people and wounds at least 65 others, 6 of them seriously, in an explosion near the old central bus station in southern Tel Aviv. Two of the victims die after they arrive at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Of the wounded, 6 are seriously hurt, 12 sustain moderate wounds and the rest are lightly injured. The Islamic Jihad and Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claim responsibility for the attack. - An IAF aircraft fires missiles at a metal workshop in Gaza City in response to the Tel Aviv attack, causing some damage to the building but no injuries. The IDF states that the strike targeted a building used by the radical Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine for constructing homemade rockets to fire at Israel. - Dozens of IDF soldiers and jeeps roll into the West Bank city of Nablus. The troops move into the center of the city, where they begin carrying out arrests. The IDF has arrested 15 would-be suicide bombers in the West Bank over the past month. - Monday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv proves that "no closure, no roadblock, no assassination and no arrest can prevent the Islamic Jihad's mujahadeen from carrying out attacks," the organization's head in the Jenin region, Sheikh Mahmoud al-Saadi, tells Ynet. "Once the decision to execute the attack is taken at the field level, the attack is launched," al-Saadi said. According to the top Islamic Jihad leader, no Israeli withdrawal would deter the organization from its path. "As far as we are concerned, Jenin and Tel Aviv are both a part of Palestine, and we shall continue to raise the flag of resistance and will not surrender." (Amos Harel, "Israel to Step up Operations in Territories in Wake of Bombing," Ha'aretz, April 18, 2006; Arnon Regular and Amos Harel, "Palestinian Youth Killed by IDF Shell in Northern Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, April 18, 2006; Ali Waked, "Jihad Leader: No barrier Can Stop Us," YnetNews, April 18, 2006). April 16, 2006: Palestinian terrorist organizations unveil their new rocket-launcher in the Gaza Strip. Capable of launching 10 Grad (Quds-3) rockets simultaneously from a truck, the new device can hit Israeli civilian targets within a range of 18-30 km. ("DEBKAfile Exclusive: Multiple-Rocket Launchers go into Palestinian Service to Maximize the Lethality of Missile Offensive Against Israel," DebkaFile, April 16, 2006). April 16, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts between Kibbutz Hulit and Kerem Shalom in the Negev. IDF artillery units return fire. - Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket towards Ashkelon. - IDF artillery units shell northern Gaza in retaliation for a Qassam rocket attack against the southern Israeli town of Sderot. ("Kassam Attack in Southwest Negev, No Injuries (update)," IsraelNationalNews, April 16, 2006; "Kassam Attack South of Ashkelon," IsraelNationalNews, April 16, 2006; "IDF Shells Gaza in Retaliation for Rocket Attack Near Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, April 16, 2006). April 14, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, near the southern town of Ashkelon, damaging a dining hall. IDF artillery returns fire. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Qassam Hit Sports Stadium in South, Causing Damage but no Injuries," Ha'aretz, April 14, 2006; "Kassam Strikes Sabbath Dinner in Kibbutz Dining Hall," IsraelNationalNews, April 15, 2006). April 13-14, 2006: - IDF forces briefly enter a short distance into the Gaza Strip to search for bombs in an area where two armed Palestinian terrorists were killed the day before. - IDF soldiers arrest a Palestinian armed with an axe and a makeshift handgun next to Moshav Beka'ot in the Jordan Valley. - IDF forces destroy a large Islamic Jihad explosives lab found near the West Bank city of Jenin that contained: four explosive devices, 30 kilograms of explosives, and materials used to prepare additional explosive devices. - IDF forces arrest twelve wanted Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "IDF Makes Brief Gaza Incursion After Militants Killed on Border," Ha'aretz, April 13, 2006). April 11-12, 2006: - The IAF targets a building that serves as the Gaza headquarters of the Fatah al-Aqsa Brigade. - IDF forces apprehend four infiltrators along the Egyptian border. The infiltrators were carrying night-vision apparatus, forged identity cards, and communications equipment. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts between Erez and Sderot. ("Air Force Targets Al-Aqsa Brigade HQ," IsraelNationalNews, April 12, 2006; "4 Infiltrators Apprehended Along Egyptian Border," IsraelNationalNews, April 12, 2006; "Kassam Lands Without Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, April 11, 2006). April 11, 2006: Middle East Newsline reports leading clans in the Gaza Strip have acquired weapons for attacks against rivals and Palestinian Authority police. Palestinian sources note that practically every major clan has formed its own security force to protect their interests and often use the services of PA police officers who are members of the family groups. "In Gaza, you must have a gun to command any respect...First, [terrorist] groups began to accumulate and use their guns. Then came the criminal gangs. Now, every clan has formed its own force." As a result, clashes between clans and battles with Palestinian police have risen sharply over the last year. ("Clans Buy Arms In Attacks Against PA," Middle East Newsline, April 11, 2006). April 10, 2006: - Three Qassam rockets impact near Kerem Shalom. - The Salah a-Din faction of the Popular Resistance Front releases a statement that a rocket was fired at the Erez Crossing area of northern Gaza. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Sderot. - A 12-year-old Palestinian girl is killed by IDF retaliatory fire after Palestinian terrorists fire rockets against Israeli civilian targets. The IDF has increased combat operations in the Gaza Strip due to continued Palestinian rocket strikes. Hundreds of artillery shells are being fired daily, along with air strikes, missiles and cannons from naval vessels offshore. ("3 Rockets Land Near Kerem Shalom," IsraelNationalNews, April 10, 2006; "Rocket Fired at Erez Area," IsraelNationalNews, April 10, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Lands in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, April 10, 2006; Amos Harel, "IDF to Continue Shelling Despite Civilian Deaths," Ha'aretz, April 11, 2006). April 9, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Israel from northern Gaza. IDF forces return fire. - Jaber Aharas, (the head of the Popular Resistance Committees’ rocket project in the West Bank) is eliminated by IDF forces. Aharas headed a team that planned to fire rockets at the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. ("Another 2 Kassams Launched at Israel," IsraelNationalNews, April 9, 2006; "Terrorist Rocket Project Director Eliminated by IDF," IsraelNationalNews, April 9, 2006). April 9, 2006: - IDF artillery shells a number of PA positions in the northern Gaza Strip in response to ongoing rocket fire against Israeli civilian targets. - Islamic Jihad announces it is suspending rocket attacks from northern Gaza into Israel for one week to try and halt retaliatory fire. - Over 440 rockets have been launched from PA-controlled Gaza towards western Negev communities since Israel re-deployed from the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2005. (Arnon Regular, Amos Harel, Jonathan Liss, "14 Palestinians Killed in IDF Missile Strikes in Gaza," Ha'aretz, April 9, 2006; "Over 440 Rockets Fired Towards Southern Israel From Gaza," IsraelNationalNews," April 9, 2006). April 8, 2006: An IAF missile air strike kills six Palestinian terrorists and wounds six others at a training camp for gunmen in the Gaza Strip. The camp is used by terrorists from the Abu Rish Brigades, an ad-hoc grouping of breakaways from several organizations, including Fatah and Hamas. The camp is built on the ruins of the former Jewish community of Neveh Dekalim, west of the town of Kahn Yunis. The army confirms it carried out an attack against a Fatah camp. (Amos Harel, "14 Palestinians Killed in IDF Missile Strikes in Gaza," Ha'aretz, April 8, 2006). April 7-8, 2006: - Israel Defense Forces missiles hit a Palestinian car in the northern Gaza Strip neighborhood of Sajaiyeh on Saturday, killing two Palestinians terrorists. The terrorists had just fired a rocket toward Israel and returned to their car when they were hit. The pair was from the Fatah Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. The strike comes a day after the IAF fired missiles into a car in southern Gaza, killing five PCRC terrorists, including senior commander Eyad Abu Al-Ein. - IDF forces shell the Gaza Strip on Friday in response to rocket fire coming from the Strip. - IAF aircraft drop leaflets in northern Gaza on Friday, urging civilians to stay away from rocket-launching sites "for your own safety." - Palestinians fire two Qassam rockets at southern Israel early Friday. The rockets, which impact south of Ashkelon, cause no injuries or damage. (Amos Harel, "Two Palestinians Killed in Gaza Missile Strike," Ha'aretz, April 7, 2006). April 5-6, 2006: - A Qassam rocket launched from Gaza sets a factory on fire in Kibbutz Zikkim, south of Ashkelon. Two Israelis are treated for shock. - In response to continued Palestinian shelling against Israeli civilian targets, the IAF bombs two Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade offices in Gaza City. - The IDF plans to set up an additional artillery battery in the southern sector along the Gaza Strip border. (Amos Harel, "IAF Planes Bomb 2 al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade Offices in Gaza," Ha'aretz, April 6, 2006). April 5, 2006: Eight Qassam rockets are fired towards Israel from Gaza. Two rockets impact open areas between Kibbutz Beeri and Kibbutz Alumim in the western Negev. An additional rocket impacts between Nativ Ha’asara and Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. Three Qassam rockets are launched at Sderot. One rocket impacts near the town’s industrial zone while the two others apparently land in open areas. Two more rockets are launched toward the western Negev area. One causes damage to greenhouses in Nativ Ha’asara, while the second impacts in the Kibbutz Zikim region. (Shmulik Hadad, "8 Qassams Fired at Israel in Last 24 Hours," YnetNews, April 5, 2006). April 4, 2006: A senior IDF source reveals the threat of Katyusha and Qassam rocket attacks by Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza has extended its range in recent days to up to 20 kilometers from the Gaza Strip border. All factions of the enemy, led by Hamas, have improved both the quality of the rockets at their disposal and their rocket-launching abilities. The new rockets in use, including Katyushas, can reach targets significantly north of the Strip, including all of Ashkelon and, in some cases, even up to Kiryat Gat. ("IDF Source: PA Rockets Threaten Areas 20 Kms. Outside Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, April 4, 2006). April 4, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire seven Qassam rockets into Israel. One damages the Ashkelon-Eilat pipeline installation. Two of the rockets imapct near kibbutz Zikim, one in kibbutz Karmiya, and another near Nativ Haasara. "A great disaster was prevented today," noted a source in the Ashkelon industrial area. "The rocket landed near a stockpile of highly inflammable materials. One flare could have caused grave damages to the entire vicinity..." IDF artillery units return fire, killing two Palestinians and injuring ten. According to Debkafile, the Palestinians have moved their line of missile fire south of the evacuated Israeli locations of the northern Gaza Strip and the Palestinian town of Beit Hanoun, their former sites. Highly mobile, they now shoot from two lines – one in the northern sector, dragging the Qassam missiles to launching sites after learning to cheat Israeli surveillance drones and helicopters, and the second line further south, using longer-range missiles. By shooting multi-missile salvoes before melting away, as they did Tuesday, the Palestinian launch-teams are able to better elude IDF fire. DebkaFilealso reports that Palestinian terrorist organizations have established six military-type bases outside the range of IDF artillery and tanks as sanctuaries for the missile launchers. They are all embedded in civil population centers and serve also as training installations for Jihad Islami, Popular Resistance Committees, Hamas, Abu Rish Brigades, Fatah-al Aqsa Brigades and the Return Brigades. The last group is being drilled to defend the Gaza Strip against an Israeli raid and carry out raids deep inside Israel. ("DEBKAfile Reports: Palestinian Missile Crews Shelter in Six Bases Embedded in Civilian Centers, Learn How To Cheat Israeli Surveillance," DebkaFile, April 5, 2006; Shmulik Hadad, "5 Qassams Land Near Ashkelon," YnetNews, April 4, 2006). April 4, 2006: Approximately 10 terrorists with links to Al-Qaida and other global jihad factions have infiltrated the Gaza Strip in recent weeks. Palestinian Authority sources note their security agencies suspect that the operatives, who arrived in Gaza from Egypt (some through the Rafah terminal) are staying in Khan Yunis and Rafah. The terrorists are involved in smuggling materiel on a large scale. According to various reports, some of which could not be fully verified by Israeli security forces, the operatives belong to several factions, mainly radical Islamic movements in Egypt, that are affiliated with Al-Qaida. Beside Palestinians, there are citizens of Egypt, Sudan and Yemen. Citing Jordanian security officials, the Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat reported Tuesday "a definite presence" of Al-Qaida operatives in Gaza who intend to carry out attacks on "sensitive" targets. The reference apparently was to attacks on crossings into Israel and perhaps also the foreign observers at the Rafah terminal. A senior source on the IDF General Staff told Haaretz, "The focus of global Islamic terror on our region has already become a distinct phenomenon. We're not talking about gut feelings: The Katyushas fired on Shlomi and before that the Katyusha fire from Aqaba that hit the airport in Eilat were carried out by organizations affiliated with Al-Qaida and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's people in Iraq. The operational direction of these organizations is clear. They will try in the future to hit more Israeli targets." (Amos Halevi, "Ten Al-Qaida Operatives Infiltrated Gaza Strip Recently," Ha'aretz, April 5, 2006). April 3, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket toward the western Negev, near Nir-Oz. - Palestinians fire additional rockets at Israeli targets. - The IDF reveals that the Palestinian Authority's (PA) security forces are taking an active role in the firing of rockets at Ashkelon and the western Negev. "PA security forces moved into the evacuated territories, including evacuated areas in the northern Gaza Strip, and set up numerous posts in these areas," an IDF statement read. "Nonetheless, projectile rocket launchings from these areas, at times right by security forces' posts, has continued unabated. [On] March 30, 2006, the IDF warned Palestinian security forces located both in and near projectile rocket launching grounds to stay clear of the launching sites…The IDF has notified the head of Palestinian National Security of this decision, and has warned him to remove his forces from the areas in question. The IDF will not be responsible for Palestinian security personnel who are harmed as a result of an IDF response to Palestinian rocket-fire in these areas. It is important to note that, although this warning is also obviously directed towards Palestinian civilians, civilians are not present in these areas, which are mainly used by Palestinian security forces and terror cells." - In Samaria (West Bank), security forces find three pipe bombs between the communities of Itamar and Yitzhar. They are detonated in a controlled explosion. - Terrorists fire at IDF forces east of Bethlehem. - IDF forces apprehend four Palestinians who infiltrated into Israel from Egypt through the northern Negev border. - IDF forces arrest five Palestinians who infiltrate the northern Gaza border fence. (Ezra Halevi, "Attacks and Arrests as IDF Admits PA Involved in Rockets," IsraelNationalNews, April 3, 2006). April 3, 2006: IDF forces kill Ra’ad Abiat, a Fatah al-Aqsa Brigade commander in the Bethlehem area. A second terrorist is also killed. In addition, 13 terrorists are taken into custody throughout Judea and Samaria (West Bank). ("Al-Aqsa Commander Eliminated by IDF," IsraelNationalNews, April 3, 2006). April 2, 2006: Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar is quoted in a weekend interview to a Chinese news agency defending Hamas' declared goal of eventually destroying Israel. Zahar, a prominent Hamas leader sworn into the Palestinian Authority cabinet last week, told the Xinhua news agency that he is certain the goal will be realized, because "there is no place for Israel on this land." According to the interview, Zahar maintained that Palestinians have no problem with the Jewish religion, only with the Israeli occupation, and said he does not rule out the possibility of Jews, Muslims and Christians living together in one Islamic state. ("Report: Zahar says 'There's No Room for Israel on This Land'," Ha'aretz, April 2, 2006). April 2, 2006: DebkaFile reports Palestinian terrorists are manufacturing new multiple-rocket launchers with Palestinian Authority funding. The Quds-3, a close copy of the Russian made Grad, simultaneously fires 10 rockets from a truck to a distance of 18-30 kilometers. The system weighs 13 tons and enables Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to strike Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netivot and Ofakim. The new 122mm rocket, test-fired against Ashkelon on March 28, weighs 66 kilos and carries 17 kilos of explosives. The Quds-3 was developed in the Gaza Strip with the aid of Iranian instructors using the Russian-Made Grad and BM21 Katyusha as models. The rocket are launched by a crew that pulls back approximately 60 meters from the launcher and releases the rockets by pulling a wire. Several dozen rockets are already in stock. ("DEBKAfile Exclusive: Palestinians Are Manufacturing New Multiple-Rocket Launchers With Palestinian Authority Funding," DebkaFile, March 31, 2006). April 1, 2006:
The IDF continues to target Qassam rocket launching sites in the Gaza Strip. Over 100 shells are fired by artillery, IAF and Navy forces at Qassam-related targets. Nevertheless, four Qassam rockets are fired by terrorists in Gaza at Israeli targets in the western Negev. One rocket falls in the open sea, and the other three impact in open areas. The military has decided to change its tactics in light of continued Qassam attacks and a Katyusha rocket attack earlier this week, and is utilizing the striking capabilities not only of IDF ground forces, but also the IAF and the Israel Navy. An army source said that Israel would not refrain from striking areas in which Palestinian police were present. Earlier Saturday, the IAF targeted a building in northern Gaza that functioned as both a hideout for terrorists and a launching site for Qassams. According to Palestinian sources, the building was destroyed. No wounded were reported in the strike. In another operation, IDF artillery and navy ships shelled open areas in Gaza City as well as access routes to Kassam launch sites. Palestinians in Gaza reported that the IDF distributed fliers calling on the Palestinians to fight terrorism, warning them that the military's response would grow harsher as long as Qassams continue to be fired at Israel. "How long will you let terrorists control your lives?" the fliers demanded. Despite the massive IDF response; two Qassam rockets were launched at Israel overnight. One landed in open territory in the western Negev; the other apparently landed in Palestinian territory. No one was reported wounded in either incident. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Hamas Pledges to Remove Arms from Streets of Gaza," Ha'aretz, March 31, 2006). [Archive]
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