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January 31, 2007:
Hamas accuses the US of promoting civil war among the Palestinians by transferring $86 million to strengthen forces loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. ("U.S. Mulling Expanded Assistance to Abbas' Security Forces," Reuters, January 31, 2007). January 31, 2007:
IDF forces apprehend Islamic Jihad terrorist Nasser Juabra in Nablus. Jabarah was linked to the planning of various suicide bombings. Background Information: Islamic Jihad terrorist arrested in Nablus In a joint IDF and ISA operation in Nablus earlier this evening, January 31st 2006, wanted Islamic Jihad terrorist Nasser Juabra was arrested. Juabra, a 28 year-old resident of Nablus, was involved in the planning of suicide bombings against Israeli civilians and attacks against IDF soldiers. He served a four year prison term in Israel for his involvement in attacks against Israeli targets in the area of Nablus. He was released in February 2006, and immediately afterwards returned to terror activity while renewing his contact with the Islamic Jihad command in Syria. Recent information indicates that Nasser manufactured explosive devices intended for use in attacks against Israeli targets. Nasser has personally directed several failed bombing attempts in the past. Nasser is considered one of the heads of the Islamic Jihad infrastructure in Nablus, which is funded and directed by the organization's command in Syria. The organization continues to make constant attempts to carry out attacks inside Israel. ("IDF Forces Apprehend Nasser Jabrah in Nablus," YeshaNews, [Translated from Hebrew], January 31, 2007; "Islamic Jihad Terrorist Arrested in Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 31, 2007). January 31, 2007:
Media reports indicate that Russian President Vladamir Putin will ask the Quartet (in Feb.) to lift economic sanctions currently in place against the Palestinian Hamas government. ("Russia Alters Hamas Policy," NFC, [Translated from Hebrew], January 30, 2007). January 30, 2007:
- IDF forces manning a Bir Zeit checkpoint (north of Ramallah) apprehend a Palestinian terrorist carrying a 20cm knife. - IDF forces manning the Tapuah checkpoint (Nablus area) apprehend three Palestinians attempting to smuggle a pistol and ammunition. ("Three Palestinian Arabs Carrying a Pistol and Ammunition Arrested at Tapuah Checkpoint," YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], January 30, 2007; "IDF Border Police Apprehend Palestinian Armed With 20cm Knife North of Ramallah," YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], January 30, 2007). January 30, 2007:
A Hamas operative is shot dead in the southern Gaza Strip (Khan Yunis), hours after a supposed truce went into effect in a bid to halt days of bloody clashes between Hamas and Fatah. Hamas officials blame Fatah for the shooting. (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Gunman Shot Dead in Southern Gaza, Hours Into Truce," Ha'aretz, January 30, 2007). January 30, 2007:
Terror attack thwarted via attack of tunnel near Karni crossing In accordance with a decision made by the political echelon, the IDF carried out an aerial attack against a tunnel located near the Karni crossing, a short while ago, on January 30th 2007. The intention of the tunnel was to be used in order to carry out a terror attack against Israeli civilians in the immediate future. The terrorist organizations continue to act against the interest of the Palestinian population and make cynical use of the area of the Karni crossing, which serves as one of the main lifelines of the Palestinian population- allowing the passage of merchandise and medical supplies in and out of the Gaza Strip. This is not the first attempt to carry out a terrorist attack in the Karni crossing area. On August 27th 2006, following intricate and ongoing intelligence-gathering activity by the IDF and ISA, security forces uncovered a tunnel dug from within the Gaza Strip in the direction of the Karni crossing. The tunnel was intended to be used in order to carry out a large-scale terror attack, apparently in the crossing itself. Forces uncovered the shaft (13 meters depth) and main infrastructure (150 meters length) of the tunnel. The tunnel entrance was found inside a house in the residential area of Sajaiya. The IDF will continue to use all means at its disposal against the terror infrastructure in the area of the Gaza Strip in order to provide security for the citizens of Israel. ("Terror Attack Thwarted Via Attack of Tunnel Near Karni Crossing," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 30, 2007). January 29, 2007:
IDF forces stationed at the Hawara checkpoint (Nablus sector) apprehend two Palestinians armed with improvised pistols. ("IDF Forces Arrest Two Palestinian Arabs Carrying Two Improvised Pistols," YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], January 29, 2007). January 29, 2007:
A Fatah-Islamic Jihad suicide bombing kills at least three people in a bakery in the southern resort city of Eilat. Police believe the explosive device weighed between 4-8 kilograms. Islamic Jihad names the bomber as 21-year-old Mohammed Faisal al-Saqsaq from Gaza City. A senior Israel Defense Forces officer notes that Faisal entered Eilat through the border with Egypt, several dozen kilometers northwest of the city. Islamic Jihad: "We held back on operations for a while and gave the stage to Fatah and Hamas to conduct unity government discussions. We saw that it has not achieved anything, so we have reverted to martyrdom operations..." (Avi Issacharoff, "Three People Killed in Suicide Bombing at Eilat Bakery," Ha'aretz, January 29, 2007; Hillel Fendel, "Fatah-Jihad Suicide Terrorist Murders Three in Eilat," IsraelNationalNews, January 29, 2007; "Suicide blast kills four in Eilat," Guardian, January 29, 2007). January 29, 2007:
The IDF plans for a Gaza Strip operation in March. A number of government agencies have begun to map the population of Sderot as part of a large-scale evacuation plan. Channel 2 news reports that the Defense Ministry has formulated a plan for the evacuation of Sderot and Gaza-envelope communities. (Mijal Grinberg, "Officer: IDF Planning Gaza Incursion in March," Ha'aretz, January 29, 2007). January 28, 2007:
The IDF designates the Namer (Tiger) as its primary armored personnel carrier. Military and industry sources said the Ground Forces Command has prepared a requirement for at least 200 Namer APCs over the next five years -- which was determined in wake of the second Lebanon war in 2006. "We have found that we need a heavy APC that could protect troops from anti-tank missiles...The APCs that we received from the United States in the 1970s and '80s no longer fulfill that requirement." The Namer, or Tiger, has been deemed a heavy APC based on the Merkava-class main battle tank. The Ground Forces Command has sought to retire hundreds of Merkava Mk-1 and Mk-2 MBTs and convert them into APCs. ("Israel Decides on Namer as Main APC," Middle East Newsline, January 27, 2007). January 28, 2007:
- Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades operatives kidnap five Hamas members, including the bodyguard of Deputy Prime Minister Nasser al-Shaer, in the West Bank city of Nablus. - A bomb blast damages the Gaza City home of a bodyguard of Mohammed Dahlan (FATAH). - Hamas operatives abduct Brigadier General Sayyed Shabban, the head of National Security Forces (FATAH) in the Gaza Strip. (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas, Fatah Accept Saudi Offer to Host Unity Talks in Mecca," Ha'aretz, January 28, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "PA source: Gunmen Abduct Top Fatah Commander in Gaza," Ha'aretz, January 29, 2007). January 27, 2007:
Six Palestinians are killed in clashes between Fatah and Hamas throughout the Gaza Strip, bringing the number of fatalities since fighting began Thursday to 25. Two men are killed as gunmen exchange fire near Gaza City's Islamic University. Two die in the neighborhood of Tal al-Howa, one in the Sudeniya refugee camp and one dies of his wounds in a Gaza hospital. Earlier, Hamas and Fatah gunmen firing mortar shells and lobbing grenades fought outside a security compound in Gaza City. (Avi Issacharoff, "21 Die in Weekend of Factional Clashes in Gaza," Ha'aretz, January 27, 2007; "Number of Gaza Dead Rises to 25," IsraelNationalNews, January 28, 2006). January 26, 2007:
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd., announces that it has signed a Teaming Agreement with Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corporation of Redondo Beach, California to pursue together and cooperate in the construction and installation of the Skyguard High Energy Laser Defensive System aimed at hostile rockets and missiles interception for use by the State of Israel. NGST and RADA will cooperate in performing contracts resulting from the procurement of the Tactical Rocket Shield in which NGST is proposing the Skyguard, in case such system is selected by the State of Israel. The Parties agreed to cooperate during all phases of the effort, starting at the source selection until the system is installed and operated. The parties also agreed to exchange technical data and technology, as authorized by appropriate government approvals, in support of this program. RADA Role, as sub contractor to NGST, will be to support NGST in securing the prime contract for sale of the Skyguard in Israel, participate in the construction, installation and operation of the system and supply equipment and services to NGST during the program. Commenting on the agreement, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Herzle Bodinger, RADA President and CEO, said "We believe that the Skyguard is an excellent solution for the defense of Israeli civilian population against the continuous rocket and missile attacks. The Skyguard enables installation in the shortest period and at the same time, provides efficient and cost effective defense against these threats. We are proud to team with NGST, a world leader in High Energy Laser Defense Systems, and we are looking forward to begin the joint effort with them." Skyguard is the end product of over thirty years of development of laser weapon systems by NGST. Skyguard has higher power and a larger beam than previous designs, making it a much more capable system. A single Skyguard system can defend a large civilian population or industrial area, large military installation and/or deployed forces. The first Skyguard system could be deployed in Israel within 18 months of date of order. RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is an Israel based company involved in the military and commercial aerospace industries. The company specializes in Avionics systems (Digital Video Recorders, Ground Debriefing Stations, Stores Management Systems, Flight Data Recorders, Inertial Navigation Systems), Trainers Upgrades, Avionics systems for the UAV market, and Electro optic cameras for airplanes and armored vehicles. ("Northrop Grumman Signs Teaming Agreement in Support of Skyguard Tactical Rocket Shield System for the State of Israel," RADA Electronic Industries Ltd, January 24, 2007). January 26, 2007:
- Hamas gunmen storm the home of a Fatah operative, sparking a deadly gun battle and capping a day of factional violence that killed at least 13 people, including a two-year-old boy, across the Gaza Strip. Some of the heaviest shooting was concentrated around the home of Mansour Shaleil, a local Fatah leader in the Jebaliya refugee camp just north of Gaza City. Hamas gunmen surrounded the home early Friday to arrest Shaleil, accusing him of involvement in a shooting that killed two Hamas supporters earlier in the day. After an hours-long standoff, dozens of Hamas gunmen stormed the house and exchanged fire with Shaleil and his loyalists, according to witnesses and ambulance drivers. They later withdrew, Palestinian media reported, leaving Shaleil unharmed. Two people were killed in the fighting. The men were identified as Hamas members. - Fatah operatives kidnap 19 Hamas terrorists and threaten to kill them if Shaleil is harmed. - Fighting also spreads to the headquarters of the pro-Fatah Preventive Security agency in Gaza City. A total of four Hamas gunmen were killed in a battle outside a nearby mosque. Hamas accused Fatah gunmen of starting the battle and wounding several worshippers in a drive-by attack. Mortar shells and rocket-propelled grenades were fired during the melee, smashing windows on several nearby homes. - Fighting erupts outside the residences of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, a top Hamas leader. Hamas officials said Zahar's home was damaged by two rocket propelled grenades. Hundreds of security forces loyal to Abbas were sent into the streets to protect his compound and various security installations. - A Hamas security officer is killed and five others wounded in an explosion in the northern Gaza Strip. Hamas sources accuse Fatah of carrying out the bombing. Fatah sources deny involvment. - The Israeli anti-terror unit Yamam apprehends Amur Damra, an explosives belt engineer and Fatah terrorist. (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Security Officer Killed, 5 Hurt in Northern Gaza Explosion," Ha'aretz, January 25, 2007; "Gaza Violence Reaches New Height in Deadly Gunbattles," Jerusalem Post, January 26, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas-Fatah Unity Gov't Talks Off After 12 Die in Gaza Violence," Ha'aretz, January 27, 2007). January 25, 2007:
Iman Al Zwahiri, a top official in the Al Qaeda terrorist organization, accuses Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen (Abbas) and Mahmoud Dahlan of treason. According to Zwahiri, Dahlan and Abu Mazen are enemies of Islam who sold Palestine and betrayed their faith. ("Al-Qaeda: Abu Mazen is a Traitor," IsraelNationalNews, January 25, 2007). January 25, 2007:
Russia has halted arms negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Officials note that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ended efforts to sell heavy weapons to the PA (acceding to U.S. requests). Anatoly Mazurkevich, a senior Russian Defense Ministry official: "Russia has refrained from delivering arms or military equipment to the Palestinian Authority, given the aggravation of the domestic political situation..." Mazurkevich also said Moscow has rebuffed a PA request for armored personnel carriers to the PA. During a briefing, he said the ministry also refused to deliver light weapons to the Palestinians. ("Russia Severs Arms Talks With PA," Middle East Newsline, January 24, 2007). January 24, 2007:
Fatah and Hamas clashes in the Gaza Strip wound at least four Palestinians. ("At Least Four Palestinians Hurt in Hamas-Fatah Clashes in Gaza," Ha'aretz, January 24, 2007). January 23, 2007:
- Palestinian terrorists kidnap a French diplomat and his two accompanying bodyguards from a restaurant in the West Bank city of Nablus. - Masked Palestinian terrorists blow up a vacant resort in the Gaza Strip. The terrorists claim they belong to Al-Qaida and that the holiday complex is owned by Mohammed Dahlan (FATAH). "They destroyed the large wedding and conference room with several huge bombs. They planted bombs in some of the rooms, destroying the southern part of the resort..." - Palestinian terrorists wound Thiab Abu Eida (FATAH). Eida runs a post office in the northern Gaza Strip. - An explosion rips through the office of Al Arabiya television in Gaza City. The newsroom is empty when an explosive device placed outside is detonated, destroying the outside door of the office of the Dubai-based Arabic satellite television station and damaging some walls inside. An official at the station noted that anonymous callers threatened to harm employees and burn the Arabiya office following a tape the station aired of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas. (Avi Issacharoff, "Palestinian Gunmen Say They Seized 3 Foreigners in W. Bank," Ha'aretz, January 23, 2007). January 22, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists launch a Qassam rocket at a Negev kibbutz. Shmulik Hadad, "Shaar Hanegev: Qassam Rocket Lands," YnetNews, January 22, 2007). January 20, 2007:
Jamal Nazzal (Fatah) accuses Hamas of spending millions of dollars on the excavation of tunnels between cities in the Gaza Strip. Nazal compares the network of tunnels in Gaza to those established by Al-Qaeda in Kabul. "Fatah Accuses Hamas of Establishing a 'Tunnels' Republic Under the Gaza Strip," Maan News, January 20, 2007). January 19, 2007:
- Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the western Negev. - IDF forces neutralize an IED near the Gaza Strip security fence. (Shmulik Hadad, "2 Qassams Fired at Western Negev," YnetNews, January 19, 2007; "IDF Neutralizes IED Near Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, January 19, 2006). January 18, 2007:
The IDF raises objections to U.S. plans to equip PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's forces with body armor and other battle gear. An $86 million U.S. program to strengthen Abbas's presidential guard will include funding for four-wheel-drive vehicles, new uniforms and military training. "The IDF's objections in this case center on equipment, such as body armor, that is liable to wind up in the wrong hands and be used for terrorism..." A U.S. diplomat based in the region notes the United States will ensure the equipment does not end up with Fatah terrorists. "It's going to be done in a way that's monitored..." (Amos Harel, "IDF Objects to U.S. Plans to Give Abbas' Forces Battle Equipment," Ha'aretz, January 17, 2007). January 17, 2007:
Hamas decides to terminate further development of the Qassam rocket. Israeli officials note that the range of the Qassam cannot be extended beyond 16 kilometers or enhanced with a larger warhead. "Hamas has been ordered by Hizbullah to stop development of the Kassam and acquire longer-range weapons..." ("Kassam Reaches End of Development," Middle East Newsline, January 16, 2007). January 16, 2007:
With the help of Hizballah, Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank have recently obtained high-grade explosives that have significantly improved the effectiveness of roadside improvised explosive devices (IED) used against IDF patrols. According to senior defense officials, the Palestinians, adopting Hizballah tactics, have also improved in the way they camouflage and hide the explosive devices on the sides of roads patrolled by IDF jeeps. While some of the explosives used in the bombs were smuggled into the West Bank - from the Sinai Desert - the Palestinians also used homemade explosives that were less effective but still lethal. Since the beginning of 2007, IDF troops in the West Bank, have discovered two suicide belts as well as three large IEDs, including one weighing 60 kilograms and another weighing 32 kg, both near the city of Jenin. In 2006, troops discovered 109 IEDs in the West Bank in addition to 11 suicide belts. (Yaakov Katz, "Palestinians Up Quality of Improvised Explosives," Jerusalem Post, January 16, 2007). January 15, 2007:
Islamic Jihad terrorist leaders announce that they have powerful Qassam rockets ready to be fired on the southern port city of Ashkelon, where a large electric generating station and oil and gas pipelines are located. ("Islamic Jihad Threaten Ashkelon," IsraelNationalNews, January 15, 2007). January 13-14, 2007:
Israeli Military Intelligence (AMAN) and the GSS assess that Palestinian terrorist organizations are training and arming their forces with long-range rockets, advanced anti-tank weapons and anti-aircraft missiles. (Jonathan Dahoah Halevi, "Playing with 'Make Believe'," Shalom Toronto, January 11, 2007). January 12, 2007:
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas calls on Palestinians to refrain from internal fighting and to direct their guns only against the Israeli "occupation." (Khaled Abu Toameh, "Abbas: Aim Guns Against Occupation," Jerusalem Post, January 11, 2007). January 11, 2007:
Head of Hamas in Jenin arrested In a joint IDF, ISA and a special Border Police force operation today, January 11th 2007, the head of the Hamas terror organization in the area of Jenin, Haled Mahmud Amin Al-Haj, was arrested. A handgun was uncovered in the building in which Al -Haj was arrested. Haled Mahmud Amin Al-Haj, 40, resident of Jenin, has served as the head of the Hamas terror organization in the area of Jenin during the last year. As part of his position, Al-Haj was responsible for all of Hamas's terror activity in the area and for the coordination with the Hamas headquarters, in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and abroad. Al-Haj played a key role in the formation of the "operational force" of Hamas in the Jenin area, and in 2002 was arrested on these grounds. He was released three years later and immediately returned to this role. Al- Haj reestablished the Hamas headquarters in Jenin as a senior and central command. Asan Abed Al-Waheb Tahar Zaaibi, a senior member of the Hamas terror organization in the Jenin area, was also arrested in the operation. Zaaibi, 30, resident of Jenin, was also released from the Israeli prison on November 2005. After his release, he resumed his activities with the Hamas, also fulfilling a central role in the formation of the "operational force" of Hamas. Thousands of dollars, apparently funds used for the terror organization's activity, were in his possession when he was arrested. ("Head of Hamas in Jenin Arrested," IDF Spokesperson's Office, January 11, 2007). January 11, 2007:
The IDF estimates that Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip may soon succeed in extending the range of Qassam rockets beyond Ashkelon. Two rockets launched by Islamic Jihad, in July and August 2006, registered ranges of 15 and 16.3 kilometers, respectively. The rockets, which landed in southern Ashkelon, were fired from deep inside Gaza. Islamic Jihad is currently attempting to mass-manufacture its improved, twin-engine Qassam, with a range of 15-16 kilometers. (Amos Harel, "IDF: New Qassams could reach north of Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, January 10, 2007). January 10, 2007:
IDF Maj. Gen. Yadlin notes that Hamas and the PA are gaining strength (and stabilizing economically) due to an increase in smuggling across the Egypt-Gaza border and financial transfers. Yadlin also revealed that a small number of Al-Qaeda terrorists have infiltrated Gaza. In addition, IDF forces have apprehended several Al-Qaeda operatives in Nablus (West Bank). (Nissan Ratzlav-Katz, "Al-Qaeda, Hizbullah and Hamas Are Gaining Strength," IsraelNationalNews, January 10, 2007). January 9, 2007:
Scenario Projection
January 8, 2007:
A number of Palestinian terrorists have recently traveled abroad to learn how to manufacture and effectively launch short-range Katyusha rockets. The new rockets, with an estimated range of over 35 kilometers, could reach the southern cities of Kiryat Gat, Netivot and Ofakim. A senior IDF officer notes: "The Qassam cannot be further upgraded, and the Palestinians need a new weapon...The cells have traveled abroad to learn about the Katyusha rocket and how to manufacture it back in the Gaza Strip." The Home Front Command has ceased formulating protection and defense plans based on threats posed by the Qassam, and now runs simulations and tests protective measures against Katyusha rocket. (Yaakov Katz, "Palestinian terror cells seek to acquire Katyusha technology," Jerusalem Post, January 8, 2007). January 8, 2007:
A Peruvian news photographer abducted by terrorists in the Gaza Strip is released after six days in captivity. The photographer, 50-year-old Jaime Razuri, is handed over to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Presidential Guard (Force 17). (Avi Issacharoff, "Peruvian Journalist Freed After Six Days of Captivity in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, January 8, 2007). January 7, 2007:
A high-ranking IDF official cites a major increase in terror during 2006. Palestinian terror groups have used the year to prepare for another round of violence against Israel. The tahadiyeh that went into effect following the disengagement in 2005 was used by the Palestinians to increase weapons smuggling. 2006: 593 shooting attacks and 400 roadside bombs. 2005: 149 roadside bombs. (Yaakov Katz, "Top IDF Officer Cites Major Terror Boost," Jerusalem Post, January 7, 2007). January 5-6, 2007:
- Senior Hamas official Mushir al-Masri blames the U.S. for attempting to promote a revolt against the Hamas government, after U.S. documents showed that the Bush administration will provide $86.4 million to strengthen security forces loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. "We demand that Abbas reject this U.S. policy, which is tearing the Palestinian people apart." - Three Hamas operatives (Diri family) are killed and five wounded in clashes with a Fatah-allied family (Durmush) hours after Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas declared Hamas security forces in Gaza illegal. Four additional Hamas operatives are kidnapped during the incident. - A Hamas operative is kidnapped in a separate incident in the Gaza Strip. - Two Hamas officials are kidnapped in separate incidents in the West Bank. - Marwan Kadoumi, a Nablus University lecturer affiliated with Hamas, is shot and wounded by six Fatah operatives. - Pro-Fatah gunmen attack Hamas officials in two separate incidents in the West Bank. In the first incident, gunmen stop the car of Nablus' deputy mayor, Mahdi al-Khamdali of Hamas, pull him out and take him away in a separate car. In Ramallah, gunmen storm the offices of the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry, shoot the office manager, Ihab Suliman, in the legs and kidnap him. Suliman is later released. - Fatah operatives force a strike in the West Bank city of Hebron, preventing stores from opening and clearing the streets of traffic. - Jabalya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip: Unknown assailants burn the house of Mohammed Ah-Sharafi, a Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament. (Avi Issacharoff, "3 Hamas Militants Killed in Gaza Clashes with Fatah," Ha'aretz, January 7, 2007). January 5, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists fire three Quds 3 rockets at Sderot. Islamic Jihad's Al-Quds Brigades claims responsibility for the barrage. (Hillel Fendel, "Kassams Again Smash into Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, January 5, 2007). January 5, 2007:
- Abu Ali Shahin, a senior Fatah member and former PA minister, tells PA television that PA Arabs hate the United States more than Al Qaeda hates it. "Do to Bush what you want, and we wish you success with Bush...We are fighting the Americans and hate the Americans more than you!" - The Bush administration will provide $86.4 million to strengthen [Fatah] security forces loyal to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. The U.S. money will be used to "assist the Palestinian Authority presidency in fulfilling PA commitments under the road map to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism and establish law and order in the West Bank and Gaza..." ("Fatah Official Spewing Hatred of U.S.," IsraelNationalNews, January 5, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "U.S. to Provide Abbas' Forces With $86 Million," Ha'aretz, January 5, 2006). January 4, 2007:
- Gunbattles break out between Fatah and Hamas forces in northern Gaza, killing a Hamas policeman and wounding two other people. A total of eight Palestinians are killed in intercine clashes. - Gunmen fire on mourners at a funeral for three Fatah security officers killed in previous clashes. Two people are wounded. - A senior Hamas member is kidnapped in Gaza City. - Fatah operatives target three senior Hamas officials in the West Bank, kidnapping one, torching the car of a second and shooting in the air as a third emerges from a mosque. - In the northern Gaza Strip, a senior Palestinian security officer allied with Fatah is killed during a siege enforced by Hamas operatives. The operatives engage in a protracted gun battle with his guards, and then hurl grenades and fire a dozen rockets. The officer, Colonel Mohammed Ghayeb, was on the phone to Palestine TV just moments before his death and appealed for help as his house came under attack. Ghayeb's wife was seriously wounded in the attack, in which Hamas fired assault rifles and rockets at the building. "They are killers...They are targeting the house, children are dying, they are bleeding. For God's sake, send an ambulance, we want an ambulance, somebody move." The battle outside the house raged for much of the day and killed four of Ghayeb's guards and a Hamas gunman. About three dozen people, including eight children, were also wounded. Ghayeb was the chief of the Preventive Security Service in northern Gaza. (Avi Issacharoff, "Hamas Policeman Killed in Gaza; Haniyeh Urges Calm," Ha'aretz, January 4, 2007; Ali Waked, "8 Killed in Gaza Infighting," YnetNews, January 4, 2007; Avi Issacharoff, "U.S. to Provide Abbas' Forces With $86 Million," Ha'aretz, January 5, 2006). January 3, 2007:
- Unknown gunmen shoot and kill a Fatah operative in the northern Gaza Strip. - IDF forces neutralize a a 60-kilo explosive charge west of Jenin. - The commander of the PA's Preventive Security apparatus advises foreign citizens and journalists to leave Gaza (out of concern for their safety). ("Unknown Gunmen Shoot and Kill Fatah Man in Northern Gaza Strip," Reuters, January 3, 2007; "Army Destroys 60-Kilo Explosive," IsraelNationalNews, January 3, 2007; "Leave Gaza, Arab Official Advises Foreigners," IsraelNationalNews, January 3, 2007). January 3, 2007:
Five Palestinians, including four Fatah members and a female bystander, are killed in a series of deadly clashes. In the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis, three Fatah security officials are killed when unidentified gunmen attacked their vehicles. Before the ambush, security personnel stormed a house where they believed an officer who had been kidnapped earlier in the day was being held. Gunmen attacked the officers, injuring one. Two other security officials driving a police car with the wounded man were attacked near the hospital's entrance. Two were killed in the attack and the third died in the hospital. (Avi Issacharoff, "5 Palestinians Killed as Internal Tensions Reignite in Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, January 3, 2007). January 1-2, 2007:
- 12 Hamas and four Fatah operatives are kidnapped. They are later released after both sides agreed to a swap. The abductions spark gunbattles between Hamas and Fatah. Three Palestinians are caught in the crossfire. - Palestinian terrorists kidnap Jaime Razuri, a Peruvian photographer working for Agence France-Presse. (Avi Issacharoff, "Palestinian Groups Renew Gaza Clashes, Abductions," Ha'aretz, January 2, 2007). January 1, 2007:
Hamas terrorists fire two Yassin mortar shells at the home of Munzer Abur Nasr, a senior al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades official in Beit Lahiya. The third floor of the building partially collapses as a result of the shells. ("Mortars Fired at al-Aqsa Martyrs Bridgades Official's House," IsraelNationalNews, January 1, 2007). January 1, 2007:
Military officers expect a massive escalation in Qassam rocket strikes against the Negev. Alon Shuster, head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, notes that communities in the area have made preparations for a mass evacuation of residents. "We have no choice but to protect our lives without waiting for government instructions..." ("Negev Leader Says IDF Expects Escalation in Kassam Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, January 1, 2007). January 1, 2007:
Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces in Nablus. Two soldiers sustain light shrapnel wounds. ("Two IDF Soldiers Sustain Shrapnel Wounds In Nablus," YeshaNews [Translated from Hebrew], January 1, 2007). [Archive]
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