Palestinian Weapons Production and Smuggling: What's New

January 30, 2006:

After a series of confusing statements and zigzags, the European Union, led by the Middle East Quartet, agrees to release financial aid to a Palestinian government taken over by Hamas, a terrorist organization.

"We give them three months to assess the situation. We don’t want chaos and we want to go on with the peace process," states EU foreign executive, Javier Solana.

DebkaFile notes that for the first time, a jihadist terror group which operates suicide killers and missiles has been granted partial legitimacy without giving up a single one of its destructive aims or methods. It represents a fiasco for the campaign Israel’s Olmert government and foreign minister Tzipi LIvni launched to drum up international support for a boycott of the new Palestinian administration.

The slap in the face was all the more stinging in that was inflicted during the epic visit to Israel of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Israel’s leaders, including Binyamin Netanyahu and ex-foreign minister Silvan Shalom for the opposition, failed to convince her to pick up the phone and halt the European slide towards recognition of a Hamas Palestinian regime and funding to bolster its first three months in power.

("Europe on Slippery Slope to Recognizing Hamas-ruled Palestinian Government," DebkaFile, January 30, 2006; "DEBKAfile’s Counter-Terror Sources: The EU Decision to Continue Aid to a Hamas Government is a Crippling Blow for the War on Global Islamic Terror," DebkaFile, January 30, 2006).

January 30, 2006:

The Bush administration begins examining whether to continue U.S. security aid to the Palestinian Authority following the legislative victory of Hamas.

Officials note that the State Department and National Security Council plan to discuss the feasibility of continuing security aid to the PA in wake of the Hamas takeover of the Palestinian legislature. They said such aid could violate U.S. law against helping groups deemed terrorists or their state sponsors.

"The question that's being discussed now is whether the Hamas takeover of the Palestinian legislature is actually a Hamas takeover of the PA," an official said. "We may have to wait and see."

The administration has acknowledged that it failed to prepare for a Hamas victory. Officials said the State Department and intelligence community predicted that Fatah would easily defeat Hamas.

("U.S. Stumped In Security Aid To PA," Middle East Newsline, January 30, 2006).

January 28, 2006:

The Hamas terrorist group, days after winning a landslide victory in the PA elections, is calling for the creation of an army even larger than its current 60,000-man force.

"We will form an army like every other country," Hamas chief Khaled Meshal states at a press conference in Syria.

"This army will defend our people against aggression." Explaining what he meant by defending against aggression, Meshal notes that Hamas would continue to carry out attacks on Israeli civilians. "Our presence in the legislature will strengthen the resistance."

Meshal also states that Hamas would honor commitments made by the PA to Israel, provided that those commitments "serve Palestinian interests." Meshal had been asked about the possibility of ammending the Hamas charter, which calls for the annihilation of the Jewish state and its replacement with a state run according to Islamic law.

(Ezra HaLevi, "Hamas Pledges to Form Army, Promises to Continue Terror Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, January 28, 2006).

January 27, 2006:

Following its crushing defeat to Hamas in Palestinian parliamentary elections, mobs of angry Fatah members take to the streets in Gaza demanding Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas exclude the Islamic group in coalition talks.

Some 20,000 Fatah supporters take to the streets in angry protests across the Gaza Strip, burning cars outside the Palestinian parliament building and firing rifles in the air. Some Hamas posters are ripped down by the crowd, which burned tires in the streets.

Hamas and Fatah gunmen also exchange fire as the long-dominant Fatah faction is threatened with a violent backlash from within to its crushing election defeat by the Islamic militant group.

A shootout erupts Friday night between activists from Hamas and the Fatah Party in the central Gaza town of Khan Yunis, wounding one police officer and one Hamas supporter after a small group of Hamas supporters shoot at Fatah loyalists who were tearing down Hamas election posters. The Fatah activists and nearby police return fire.

The incident was the second instance of violence in Khan Yunis on Friday. Earlier in the day, three people were wounding in a clash between Fatah and Hamas, one by gunfire and two by rock throwing.

(Amos Harel, Arnon Regular and Amira Hass, "Fatah Members Urge PA to Reject Gov't With Hamas," Ha'aretz, January 27, 2006).

January 24, 2006:

An unidentified gunman fires at Ahmad Yousef Abdel Jabbar Hassuna, 36, of Nablus, killing him.

PCHR's preliminary investigation indicates that, on Monday evening (23 January 2006), a group of gunmen carrying automatic rifles came to the victim's house in Rafedeya neighborhood. They asked him to remove from his house's wall a picture of PLC candidate Ghassan El-Shak'a; but he refused to comply with their demand. The gunmen left. And at approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 10 unidentified gunmen came to the house and attempted to remove the picture. Their voices woke up Hassouna, who came out of his house carrying a pistol. The gunmen immediately opened fire at him, hitting him with a bullet in the head. He died instantly.

("Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: Gunmen Kill a Citizen in Nablus," PCHR, January 24, 2006).

January 24, 2006:

Israeli security forces arrest a Hamas terrorist involved in the abduction and murder of Sasson Nuriel in Ramallah.

Abdullah Arar, 30, a Hamas terrorist, a resident of the village of Qarawat Bani Zeid, northwest of Ramallah, was involved in the abduction and murder of Sasson Nuriel, an Israeli civilian who was kidnapped into Ramallah by a Hamas terror cell on September 21st 2005.

Arar and Nuriel had been acquainted for several years prior to Nuriel's abduction, and Arar worked for Nuriel for a certain period of time. Arar personally planned the abduction, including encouraging Nuriel to enter Ramallah, and was directly involved in the murder.

During the month of September 2005, members of the terror cell responsible for the abduction of Nuriel were arrested by the security forces. In their questioning, they provided details regarding the planning of Nuriel's abduction and additional terrorist attacks that they were planning. Information provided in the questioning shows that the cell responsible for abducting Nuriel had been operating under the direction and guidance of members of Hamas terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

("Hamas Terrorist Involved in the Abduction and Murder of an Israeli Civilian [previous employer] Arrested in Ramallah," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 24, 2006).

January 24, 2006:

Muhammed Abu Roub, head of the Islamic Jihad terror infrastructure in Qabatiya, is arrested by Israeli security forces.

Abu Roub, who began his activity within the Islamic Jihad terror infrastructure in the northern West Bank several months ago, worked in close cooperation with Jihad Awaidat and Iyad Abu Roub, both senior Islamic Jihad terrorists who led the organization's infrastructure in the northern West Bank.

Abu Roub was involved in shooting attacks and in detonating explosive devices against Israeli targets, in purchasing weapons for the infrastructure and in recruiting Palestinians to carry out suicide bombing attacks.

Following the death of Jihad Awidat in an IDF arrest activity and the arrest of Iyad Abu Roub by security forces Muhammed Abu Roub has acted since November 2005 as the head of the Islamic Jihad terror infrastructure in the area of Qabatiya, operating to execute additional terror attacks.

Abu Roub operated together with the Islamic Jihad infrastructure in Jenin, responsible for recent terror attacks

("Muhammed Abu Roub, Head of Islamic Jihad Terror Infrastructure in Qabatiya Arrested Today," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 24, 2006).

January 23, 2006:

Former IDF chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon states that Gaza has turned into "Hamastan, Hizbullahstan and al-Qaedastan" following Israel's withdrawal from the area last summer.

Speaking at the Herzliya Conference on the Balance of Israel's National Security, Yaalon said Israel easily gave up on principles such as border supervision and demilitarization.

The former IDF head said Israel failed to create effective and reliable deterrence against rocket attacks, saying, "Israel's unilateral withdrawals were perceived as escape from the rocket threat. Israel failed to create reliable deterrence for the future."

"The Arabs' refusal to recognize Israel is the source of all the violence directed against it from the dawn of Zionism to this day," he added.

"As long as this does not change, Israel will be prone to violence. The 1967 borders do not provide an answer to the threat of rocket and suicide bombing attacks, nor do they provide an answer to the threat of conventional attacks.

"In order to withstand terror we must remain firm in the belief in the justice of our ways; post and anti-Zionist trends have infiltrated public debate and the decision-making process," he said.

"The Palestinians do not recognize our right to live within the 1967 borders. Their decision to wage war in September 2000 was aimed at dodging the need to recognize Israel as a sovereign state," he said.

"All of these are warning signs ahead of determining the country's permanent borders - either by way of agreement or unilaterally. As long as there is no acceptance of our right to exist, the Israeli leadership should assume any determined border will be challenged by violent acts, unless there is deterrence. The more vulnerable we appear, the bigger the temptation is to attack us."

(Ronny Sofer, "Former IDF Chief: Gaza Now Hamastan, Hizbullahstan," YnetNews, January 23, 2006).

January 22, 2006:

On Friday afternoon, 20 January 2006, Mohammed Bassam Shuhaiber, 11, from Gaza City, was injured by a live bullet to the abdomen during an electoral gathering. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, Shuhaiber was attending an electoral gathering organized by Fatah in the al-Sabra neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, when a member of Fatah fired gunshots into the air. One of the bullets hit the child, who was evacuated to a hospital in the city. Soon after, the child's family destroyed a car belonging to the member of Fatah, who is believed to be responsible for the shooting and also beat him. PCHR also discovered that the suspected shooter is a member of the security services.

It is worth noting that Palestinian gunmen, including members of the security services, do not hesitate in opening fire during electoral rallies and gatherings organized in the streets and public sites, thus threatening the lives of civilians. The latest victim of such shootings during electoral rallies and gatherings was Bilal al-Sha'er, who was accidentally killed by a bullet, when gunmen opened fire into the air during an electoral gathering in Rafah.

PCHR calls upon all candidates and their supporters not to employ weapons during elections campaigning, including rallies and public gatherings, and to maintain the peaceful nature of the campaigns. PCHR also calls upon security officials to comply with the election campaigns regulations and remain neutral during all phases of the election process.

("Accidental Injury of a Child Attending an Electoral Gathering in Gaza," PCHR, January 22, 2006).

January 22, 2006:

Ismail Haniya, the top candidate on the Hamas list for Palestinian parliamentary elections, states that Hamas supports only as a temporary solution the establishment of a Palestinian states along the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.

Haniya emphasizes that Hamas does not recognize the existence of the State of Israel and maintains its vision of establishing a Palestinian state throughout all of the area west of the Jordan River.

He also reiterates that there is no chance that Hamas would voluntarily disarm as long as Israel exists, Israel Radio reported.

("Hamas: State in '67 Borders is Temporary Solution," Jerusalem Post, January 22, 2006).

January 18, 2006:

Bassel Kamel al-Sha'er, 20, from Rafah, is killed accidentally by a live bullet to the head during an electoral gathering. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, al-Sha'er was killed when a live bullet was unleashed by accident from a gun carried by an armed member of Fatah. A number of armed members had been firing into the air during the electoral gathering for the Fatah candidates in Rafah.

This incident came only a few hours after a declaration by Fatah and Hamas in a press conference held in Gaza City that the two movements agreed to remove all armed presence on the elections day. The two movements also vowed that their members would not be involved in any actions that may disrupt the election process.

It is worth noting that this has been the second incident of its kind since the beginning of the election campaigns on 3 January 2006. On 4 January 2006, Rami Talal al-Dalu, 27, from Gaza City, was killed by gunmen following quarrels between supporters of Fatah and Hamas in the al-Nasser neighborhood regarding the hanging of posters and electoral banners.

("Accidental Killing of a Civilian in Rafah during an Electoral Gathering for the Fatah Movement," PCHR, January 18, 2006).

January 17, 2006:

IDF and ISA forces encircle the building in which Thabet Tsalah A-Din is hiding and calls for him to exit.

A-Din, a senior Hamas operative, attempts to flee and opens fire towards IDF forces with two automatic weapons - wounding an IDF soldier. IDF forces return fire, killing the A-Din.

An AK-47 assault rifle and an Uzi were found on his person. In addition, explosive material was found in the building.

A-Din was trained in Nablus in the manufacturing of the large explosive devices. During 2003 and 2004, A-Din was responsible for the planning of suicide bombing attacks which were thwarted by security forces, including:

- November 2003 the Hamas infrastructure in Nablus and Ramallah attempted to dispatch a suicide bomber into Israel.

- June 2004 Hamas (Nablus) attempted to carry out a double suicide attack in the Israeli city of Rosh Ha'ayin.

ISA intelligence assessed that A-Din then moved his activities from Nablus to Tulkarm in an attempt to rebuild the Hamas infrastructure in the city, after those responsible for the suicide bombing at the 'Park Hotel' in Netanya were arrested.

IDF forces uncovered an explosives laboratory in the city, which according to recent intelligence A-Din had established and used for the past several months to manufacture explosive devices. Over 10 kg of explosives, various explosive devices, electronic components, triggering mechanisms, tools and additional raw materials were uncovered in the laboratory. Funded by the Hamas terror infrastructure in Nablus, accomplices provided him with the necessary chemicals and raw materials needed to manufacture the explosives in Tulkarm.

The explosives were detonated in a controlled manner by Border Police sappers. In continuing with the organization's policy in Nablus, these explosive devices manufactured by the Tulkarm infrastructure had been intended to be used in terror attacks inside Israel upon receiving authorization from the senior echelon of the Hamas terror organization once the declared period of calm ended.

("Senior Hamas Terrorist killed in Tulkarm," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 17, 2006).

January 17, 2006:

A Qassam rocket lands in an Israeli community north of Gaza.

According to the community security chief, "One of the recent phenomena is the behavior of the pets, cats and dogs that have fled. There are many notices about cats and dogs that have disappeared. I remember my dog, which to my sorrow was run over, used to panic every time a Qassam rocket landed. I had to hold him almost forcefully so that he wouldn't go outside..."

The security chief added that"the truth has to be told. People here are simply scared. Nobody goes out in the evening, and I think we'll start to see families leaving this summer already. Everyone who rents here and can leave is already planning on doing so. There is a feeling of helplessness, it's clear to us that nothing is being done to solve the problem."

(Smulik Hadad, "Cats, Dogs Flee Palestinian Rockets," YnetNews, January 17, 2006).

January 15, 2006:

YnetNews reports that Qassam rockets now have a range of between 10 - 40 kilometers.

According to Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin, "The Palestinians are preparing a shock wave of terror attacks. In Judea and Samaria, there are efforts to create independent weapons systems, including Qassams," he said.

Diskin added that there has been a rise in the amount of terror attacks and attempted attacks against Israel since the disengagement. He said there were 48 attacks in October, compared with 277 in December.

(Hanan Greenberg, "IDF Responds to Rocket with Artillery Fire," YnetNews, January 15, 2006).

January 12, 2006:

Israeli Channel 1 reveals that the Lebanese army intercepted a boat on its way to Israel last week that was loaded with weapons, including long-range missiles.

According to military sources who confirmed the report, the boat was on its way to Gaza from Lebanon and planned to drop off canisters filled with weapons, explosives and rockets off the coast where they were to be collected by Palestinian fishermen.

Government officials speculated that the boat was funded by Iran or Syria and that the weapons were meant to reach either the Hamas or the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip.

"There are attempts to smuggle weapons into Israel all the time," one official said. "They will do anything they can to get weapons here which they can use in attacks against Israel."

According to Lebanese media reports, the boat - together with four passengers - was caught off the southern port of Tripoli. The boat's point of origin was a dock at Naher Al Bard - a nearby Palestinian refugee camp.

Officials conjectured that the Palestinians onboard were members of the terrorist organization that fired Katyushas toward Kiryat Shmona last month.

(Yaakov Katz, "Lebanese Nab Terrorists Headed for Gaza," Jerusalem Post, January 12, 2006).

January 11, 2006:

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz blames Egypt and the Palestinian Authority for the continued smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip, while visiting Beduin villages in the Negev on Wednesday in honor of Id al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

He said the "Egyptians and Palestinians need to make every possible effort in order to reduce the phenomenon until it is entirely ceased," Army Radio reported.

While speaking to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Tuesday, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Yuval Diskin announced that since the disengagement, there has been a dramatic increase in weapons smuggling into Gaza.

Diskin claimed that five tons of explosive materials, 6,000 guns, 350 anti-tank missiles, and around 200 grenade launchers were brought through, as well as RPGs and three anti-aircraft missiles.

("Mofaz Blames Egypt and PA for Increased Smuggling," Jerusalem Post, January 11, 2006).

Janaury 10, 2006:

The amount of weapons smuggled from Egypt into the Gaza Strip has increased dramatically since Israel's withdrawal from the region.

According to Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin, "The smuggling of weapons and explosives from Egypt to the Gaza Strip has increased in comparison to the period preceding the disengagement...If before the disengagement 200-300 rifles were smuggled a month, today we are talking about 3,000."

"If the Palestinians are to receive technology assistance outside of Gaza, it would only take a number of months for the terror groups to succeed in significantly improving their rocket range."

Currently, Qassams launched in the PA are able to reach 10-40 kilometers (6-25 miles).

"The Palestinians are preparing terror attacks, also from Judea and Samaria. There are efforts to establish independent systems to manufacture weapons, including Qassams..."

(Ilan Marciano, "Shin Bet Chief Details Post Retreat Security Fiasco to Knesset," YnetNews, January 10, 2006).

January 10, 2006:

ISA, Israel Police and IDF forces operating in Kabatiya (south of Jenin) arrest Imad Aldin Shukat Araf Kamil, 22, a wanted Islamic Jihad terrorist. The forces seize an AK-47 assault rifle and matching ammunition clip in a subsequent search of his house.

Imad Kamil has been a central figure in the Islamic Jihad terror infrastructure in Kabatiya. During the past few months, he operated alongside Jihad Awidat and Iyad Abu Roub -- who were among the heads of Islamic Jihad's infrastructure in the village. Kamil became one of the key figures in the organization following Awidat's death and Abu Roub's arrest.

Kamil was in contact with terrorists in the West Bank and abroad - receiving funding and directions for the terror activities of the Kabatiya infrastructure.

("Senior Islamic Jihad Terrorist Arrested in Kabatiya," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 10, 2006).

January 9, 2006:

Nur Aladin Haffez Mahmud Tsuafta, 24, a wanted Islamic Jihad terrorist, is arrested during a joint IDF, Border Police, and ISA operation in the village of Tubas, northeast of Nablus.

An AK-47 assault rifle was found in his possession.

Tsuafta was previously arrested by IDF forces in 2002 on the grounds of his activity in the Islamic Jihad terrorist infrastructure, and sentenced to three years in prison.

Immediately following his release in October 2004, he resumed his terrorist activity within the ranks of Islamic Jihad, operating to strengthen the terrorist infrastructure of the organization, purchasing weaponry and materials for the manufacturing of explosives, and planning terrorist attacks against Israeli targets, including the abduction of Israelis.

("Islamic Jihad Terrorist Arrested in Tubas," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 9, 2006).

January 8, 2006:

PA troops open fire on unemployed ex-convicts in Gaza.

The ex-convicts were armed and had attempted to break into PA offices in order to demand that the ruling authority provide them with jobs. One person is killed and three others wounded.

In another incident, eight PA troops and two armed men are wounded in a shoot-out with criminals in Dir Al Balah, south of Gaza city.

The PA interior office reported that the shoot-out began when one of the troops attempted to arrest a criminal suspect. A PA soldier is seriously wounded in the incident.

(Scott Shiloh, "PA Troops Fire on Unemployed Arabs; Anarchy Spreads," IsraelNationalNews, January 8, 2006).

January 4, 2006:

Israel's military has drafted technological requirements for a defensive strategy that envisions indefinite war with the Palestinians.

Israeli military officials and commanders revealed that the new concept was based on the assessment that the Jewish state would be prevented by the international community from defeating the Palestinians in their five-year war. Instead, Israel would depend on defensive measures to protect its civilians while limiting the Palestinian missile and suicide bombing threat.

"It's not that offense is passe," Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz said. "But the [international] legitimacy for attacks has been reduced."

Halutz, addressing a defense seminar at Tel Aviv University on Tuesday, said Israel's military doctrine remains offensive. But he said the doctrine, which envisions an indefinite threat from insurgents and missiles, requires defensive solutions to a range of low-intensity conflict scenarios.

("Israel Develops Tech For Defense Strategy," Middle East Newsline, January 4, 2006).

January 3, 2006:

Shin Beit chief Yuval Diskin warns Palestinians now possess Grad missiles with a range of 30km and Strela SA-8 anti-air missiles.

According to DebkaFile, the missiles substantially upgrade the Palestinian terrorist armory and ability to hit targets deep inside Israel.

Launched from northern Gaza, the Russian Grads extend the Palestinian range as far as the big Israeli port of Ashdod north of Ashkelon, and Gedera and Kiryat Gat in the south.

Their presence in the Gaza Strip in the hands of Fatah-al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades exposes the military Blue Skies security zone enforced this week in northern Gaza to stall the Qassam barrage as more of a device to calm the public than an effective operational counter-measure. It has certainly not halted the Qassam offensive. Ten missiles were fired from Gaza Tuesday, Jan. 3.

(DebkaFile, January 3, 2006).

January 4, 2006:

Two Egyptian border troops are killed by Palestinian Fatah-al Aqsa Brigades gunmen when they smash through Philadelphi border wall.

The Al Aqsa operatives also block access to Gaza's Rafah border crossing to Egypt in protest over the arrest of local leader Ala al-Hams for involvement in the kidnap of three Britons last week.

In addition, the armed mob storms PA government offices in the town and threaten to prevent voting in Jan. 25 election

(DebkaFile, January 4, 2006).

January 3, 2006:

The Palestinian Authority and terrorist groups have acquired hundreds of anti-tank rockets smuggled from Egypt.

An Israel Security Agency report notes that the majority of the rockets were smuggled from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip following Israel's withdrawal from the area in September 2005. The report said the PA smuggled anti-tank rockets and anti-aircraft missiles.

According to the report, "The withdrawal of the IDF from the Philadelphi corridor in September 2005 led to a significant increase in the quantity of war material smuggled into the Gaza Strip in comparison to first eight months of 2005."

The report stated that most of the rockets were smuggled from September 12-18, and included over five tons of explosives, approximately 200 anti-tank rocket launchers, 350 anti-tank rockets, 5,000 automatic rifles and more than one million rounds of ammunition.

("PA Imports Hundreds of Rockets From Egypt," Middle East Newsline, January 3, 2006).

January 2, 2006:

DEBKAfile reports that the Jenin-1, the West Bank version of the Qassam, was developed by the ruling Fatah al Aqsa Brigades faction in Jenin, Nablus and Tulkarm.

Israeli military sources have no doubt that Jenin-1 will soon be followed by Jenin-2 and Jenin-3, with improved range and a more powerful blast.

The Jenin differs from the Gazan Qassam in two important respects:

1. It is not contingent upon Gaza-developed technology, but is a West Bank product from start to finish.

2. It is not wielded by Hamas and Jihad Islami like the Qassam but the weapon of the al Aqsa Brigades, a branch of the ruling Fatah.

("DEBKAfile Exclusive: The Palestinian Armory has a New Weapon: Jenin-1 on the West Bank Joins the Qassam Missile of Gaza," DebkaFile, January 2, 2006).

January 2, 2006:

The Be'er Sheva District Court on Monday charges a member of a breakaway band of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade with planning a string of "strategic" attacks in Israel, including simultaneous suicide bombings in various cities, as well as an attack on the nuclear reactor in Dimona.

Ramzi Salah, a 22-year-old resident of the Jabalya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, was arrested in December after he was caught carrying an explosives belt near Kibbutz Nir Am, on the Gaza Border. According to the charges, Salah had infiltrated Israel with the intention to carry out a suicide attack.

(Nir Hasson and Amos Harel, "Palestinian Militant Charged with Plan to attack Dimona Reactor," Ha'aretz, January 2, 2006).

January 2, 2006:

- The IAF targets six access routes in the northern Gaza Strip, and one access route located in the southern Gaza Strip. The routes are used by Palestinian terrorists to fire rockets into Israel.

- The IAF targets an Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades center in the town of Bani Suhila, east of Khan Yunis.

("IDF Aerial Attack of Access Routes in Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 2, 2006; "IDF Targets Structure Used for Terror Activity in Southern Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 2, 2006).

January 2, 2006:

Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) develops armor to protect roofs against Qassam rockets.

After testing the armor in ballistic trials, the IDF Homefront Command approved its use to protect buildings in range of Qassam rockets.

IMI CEO Avi Felder notes the successful development was the result of numerous trials and simulations.

IMI engineers developed a unique composite of materials for an inexpensive but effective application for all types of roofs in an especially short time, and attractive architectural lines.

("IMI Develops Kassam-Proof Roof Armor," Globes, January 2, 2006).

January 2, 2006:

Bashir Hammad, who fled the Gaza Strip in 1992, arrives in the Gaza Strip. Hammad has been wanted by Israel since 1988.

According to Israeli security sources, at least 45 Hamas and Fatah fugitives have returned to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah terminal since it was handed over to the Palestinian Authority four months ago.

Among those who returned to the Gaza Strip are Ahmed al-Milh and Fadel Zahar, brother of Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar. Fadel Zahar was deported from the Gaza Strip in 1991 along with three other top Hamas operatives: Imad Alami, Mustafa Kanu, and Mustafa Liddawi. He spent most of his time in Sudan and Syria, where other Hamas leaders are located.

Rafik al-Hasanat, another senior member of Hamas who has been wanted by Israel for more than a decade, arrived through the Rafah crossing in October. Hasanat belonged to Izzaddin al-Kassam; he fled to Egypt in 1993 after he learned that the IDF was searching for him because of his involvement in terror attacks. Since then he has been hiding in Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Jordan.

PA officials note they are aware of the fact that many fugitives were returning to the Gaza Strip.

"Our policy is to allow any Palestinian to cross through the Rafah terminal," explained one official. "We don't classify passengers according to their political affiliation."

(Khaled Abu Toameh, "Izzaddin al-Kassam founder back in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, January 2, 2006).

January 1, 2006:

An Italian member of parliament is freed by a Fatah offshoot in Gaza hours after his seizure Sunday.

The Fatah al Aqsa Brigades Sunni People claimed his abduction and demanded an investigation of Yasser Arafat’s 2004 death in Paris. He was kidnapped by masked gunmen in two cars from a minibus carrying 19 foreigners, including European Parliament lawmakers, in a pro-Palestinian solidarity visit.

(DebkaFile, January 1, 2006).

January 1, 2006:

Palestinians fire 4 Qassam missiles into Israel from three Gaza launching sites – one from the north explodes in northern Sderot.

A second from the center was aimed at Kibbutz Nir Oz, a third from Khan Younes landed at Mivtakhim and a fourth came down in the W. Negev.

This is the first multiple-site missile barrage. Saturday night, an Israeli aerial strike hit a Palestinian missile team in the northern no-go zone, killing two

(DebkaFile, January 1, 2006).

January 1, 2006:

The Islamic Jihad and Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades fired a Qassam rocket at Israel from the West Bank town of Jenin about three weeks ago.

The attack marked the first time a Qassam fired at Israeli targets from the West Bank came close to hitting a Jewish community. The rocket landed in a Palestinian area in proximity to the Israeli community of Ram-On.

(Rony Shaked, "Qassam Fired From West Bank," YnetNews, January 1, 2006).

January 1, 2006:

Armed Palestinians briefly seize the United Nations club in Gaza City, throwing two explosive devices.

Visitors had already left the club, one of the few places that alcohol is served in conservative Muslim Gaza, when the gunmen tied up the security guard and set explosives that blew out windows and ripped up the roof.

("Palestinian Gunmen Throw Bombs in UN Club in Gaza City," Ha'aretz, January 1, 2006).