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July 31, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire at an Israeli vehicle between the communities of Nili and Ofrah in Samaria (West Bank). No injuries are reported. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Israel from northern Gaza. The rocket impacts in PA Gaza. - Palestinian terrorists fire a volley of Qassam rockets at Israel. The rockets impact in PA territory near Kerem Shalom. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the western Negev - damaging a number of buildings. - IDF forces direct artillery fire at a Qassam rocket launching site in southern Gaza. - The IAF targets the house of a Popular resistance Committee terrorist in Bet Hanoun (northern Gaza) used to store weapons. - The IAF targets the home of a Hamas terrorist in Gaza City. - The IAF targets a garage used by a Hamas terrorist to manufacture weapons. ("No Injuries in Shooting Attack in Samaria," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Lands North of Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Land in PA Area Near Kerem Shalom," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006; "Two More Kassam Rockets Cause Damage," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006; "IDF Targets Kassam Launch Site in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006; "Air Force Strikes Gaza Terrorist´s House," IsraelNationalNews, July 31, 2006). July 30, 2006: - A Palestinian mob storms and ransacks United Nations offices in Gaza City to protest civilian deaths in the Israeli bombing of the Lebanese village of Kana. The mob, led by Islamic Jihad terrorists, hurls stones and fires assault rifles, wounding two. - The Haruv Battalion and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) apprehend two Palestinian terrorists in the Nablus area. The terrorists, armed with an explosives belt, were apparently on their way to perpetrate a suicide attack inside Israel. - An elite undercover IDF unit arrests two suspects in Kalkilya in connection with the murder of 60-year-old Israeli Yakir resident, Dr. Daniel Ya'akovi. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket towards Sderot, moderately wounding a woman. ("Gaza Update: Two Wounded in Assault on U.N. offices," IsraelNationalNews, July 30, 2006; Yaakov Katz, "2 Would-be Bombers Caught Near Nablus," Jerusalem Post, July 30, 2006). July 30, 2006: The IAF fires a missile into a house used by Hamas in Gaza City. An IDF spokeswoman confirms the air strike targeted a structure used by Hamas. ("IAF Fires Missile at House in Hamas Stronghold in Gaza City," IsraelNationalNews, July 30, 2006). July 29, 2006: - IDF forces eliminate two wanted terrorists near Nablus. One of them was Islamic Jihad member Haeni Avijan, responsible for a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv and a suicide bombing attack near the community of Kedumim. Also killed was Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorist Amid Al Masri, after he refused to surrender. - The IDF intiates a search for tunnels near the Erez crossing in northern Gaza. Terrorists often use such tunnels for smuggling weapons and as staging grounds for attacks on Israel. One tunnel in the southern Gaza area, near Rafah, is destroyed. In addition, the IAF targets a building used by Hamas terrorists to manufacture and store weapons. ("Soldiers Kill Two Terrorists near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, July 29, 2006; "IDF Searching for Tunnels near Erez Crossing," IsraelNationalNews, July 29, 2006). July 27, 2006: - The Israeli whose body was discovered in a burnt car in Samaria (West Bank) had no criminal background, and authorities suspect he was kidnapped and murdered. His vehicle was found near the village of Abus, between Kfar Saba and the communities of Karnei Shomron and Kedumim. - A Palestinian terrorist opens fire at Israeli Border Police forces at a checkpoint near Jerusalem. Border Policemen return fire, killing the terrorists. Two policemen are wounded. - IDF forces intercept a suicide bomber in the Sajaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. ("Update: Terrorism Suspected in Killing Of Israeli," IsraelNationalNews, July 27, 2006; "Update: Border Policeman in Serious Condition," IsraelNationalNews, July 27, 2006; "IDF Soldiers Block Gaza Suicide Bomber," IsraelNationalNews, July 27, 2006). July 27, 2006: - The IAF targets an arms depot used by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip. It was at least the third such strike in as many days. - IDF infantry backed by tanks and armored vehicles operate in the Gaza Strip. 23 Palestinians (16 gunmen and 7 civilians), are killed. Fierce clashes between IDF forces and Palestinian terrorists broke out as soldiers from the Givati brigade accompanied by infantry forces moved approximately two kilometers into northern Gaza under cover of darkness. The terrorists killed by the troops included members of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees. - Palestinian terrorists launch Qassam rockets at Israel from Gaza. Over 200 rockets have been fired in the last month alone. ("Air Force Strikes Gaza Arms Depot," IsraelNationalNews, July 27, 2006; Etgar Lefkovitz, "IDF kills 23 Palestinians in Gaza," Jerusalem Post," July 26, 2006). July 26, 2006: Lieutenant Colonel Guy Biton, the commander of a Givati Division brigade, notes IDF soldiers are facing difficult conditions in the Sajaiya neighborhood of Gaza as they continue to fight on the southern front. "The fighting is very complex. There are terrorists who are shooting anti-tank missiles at us...They tend to come up to a distance of 100 meters in an attempt to hit vehicles." Nevertheless, IDF forces have eliminated 15 terrorists in Sajaiya during the current phase of the operation. ("Senior IDF Official: ‘Fighting Complex’ in Gaza, but 15 Terrorists Dead," IsraelNationalNews, July 26, 2006). July 25, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts against a storage building in the Israeli community of Amioz (western Negev). (Mijal Greenberg, Avi Issacharoff, "Qassam Fired from South Gaza Wounds Man in Negev Town," Ha'aretz, July 25, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Strikes Amioz, Large Fire Breaks Out," IsraelNationalNews, July 25, 2006). July 25, 2006: The IAF targets an Islamic Jihad weapons depot in the Gaza Strip. Residents are warned ahead of time to leave the area. ("IDF Strikes Gaza Weapons Depot," IsraelNationalNews, July 25, 2006). July 24, 2006: - IAF planes bomb an Islamic Jihad weapons depot (located in a residential building) in the Gaza Strip. The army arranges a phone call to citizens living in the building before the attack in to allow them to escape. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot. - IDF forces eliminate three terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The terrorists are killed by artillery fire directed at the house in which they were hiding in Beit Lahiya in the Gaza strip. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at an Israeli industrial zone north of Gaza. ("Air Force Bombs Gaza Weapons Depot," IsraelNationalNews, July 24, 2006; "Kassam Attack in Sderot, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, July 24, 2006; "Three Terrorists Killed in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 24, 2006; "Kassam Lands in Industrial Zone North of Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 24, 2006; "Two Rockets Explode in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, July 24, 2006). July 23, 2006: - Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin tells Israeli cabinet ministers that "a very problematic situation is being created in Gaza. Within the next two to three years, barring any major changes, we may find ourselves in a Hizbullah-type situation, meaning bunkers, underground tunnels, infrastructure and dangerous weapons." Diskin also notes if the IDF doesn't "block the arms smuggling routes, including Philadelphi, stifle Hamas' attempts at improving its capabilities via an alternative Palestinian government, the situation in Gaza will be similar to that in Lebanon." - IDF Intelligence (AMAN) Chief Major General Amos Yadlin tells government ministers that the Palestinians are [significantly] influenced by Israel's reaction to the Hizbullah rocket attacks, and warns that the Lebanese group and Hamas will do everything in their power to carry out a major terror attack in Israel from Lebanon, Gaza or the West Bank." (Rony Sofer, "Shin Bet: Prepare for Mini-Lebanon in Gaza," YnetNews, July 23, 2006). July 23, 2006: Hamas successfully develops an indigenous variant of the Soviet-origin Katyusha rocket with a range of 24 kilometers. According to Israeli military sources, Hamas fired a BM-21 Grad rocket that exceeded the capabilities of the original weapon. On July 18, Palestinian terrorists fired an indigenous Grad 122 mm rocket at an Israeli agricultural community about 19 kilometers from the Gaza Strip. The rocket impacted in Kibbutz Sdot Bror Hayil. The rocket traveled 24 kilometers, a range that exceeded the standard 122 mm Katyusha, with a range of approximately 20 kilometers. Hamas is expected to begin serial production of the indigenous Katyusha over the next few weeks. ("Hamas Develops 24 KM Range Katyusha," MENL, July 23, 2006). July 23, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire nine Qassam rockets at southern Israel from Gaza. Seven rockets are fired in the morning, causing damage to hothouses at a kibbutz in the western Negev. Hours later, two more rockets are fired, one impacting in Sderot and the other close to Kibbutz Nir Am. - Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank missile at an IDF post close to the Erez crossing. (Mijal Grinberg and Avi Issacharoff, "Nine Qassam rockets Land in Western Negev; No Injuries," Ha'aretz, July 23, 2006). July 22-23, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli city of Sderot. - Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank rocket at IDF forces near the Gaza Karni Crossing. ("Kassam Rocket Attack in Sderot," IsraelNationalNewws, July 23, 2006; "Anti-Tank Rocket Attack Near Karni," IsraelNationalNews, July 23, 2006). July 21, 2006: IDF forces launch an operation in the West Bank city of Nablus to intercept Hezbollah-backed terrorists preparing to carry out attacks across the country. The forces demolish a Nablus government compound where members of Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades recruited by Hezbollah were hiding. "There were Hezbollah operatives in the building who were told by their leadership in Syria and Lebanon to send out attackers across Israel. That is why we were in such a hurry to get them..." - IDF forces withdraw from the Mughazi refugee camp in Gaza after a two-day operation in which at least 15 people were killed, most of them terrorists. - Tel Aviv police apprehend three people suspected of planning to carry out a terrorist attack in the city. (Avi Issacharoff, "IDF Nablus Raid Targets Al-Aqsa Militants Recruited by Hezbollah," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2006; Roni Singer-Heruti, "Tel Aviv Police Arrest 3 Suspects in Plan to Carry out Terror Attack," Ha'aretz, July 22, 2006). July 20, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire at the Israeli community of Psagot in Samaria (West Bank). - The IDF detonates three tunnels discovered in Palestinian Authority (PA) controlled Gaza. Two were in the Dahaniyeh area in southern Gaza and the third near the Sufah Crossing. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot. - IDF forces eliminate at least one Palestinian terrorist in the el-Mou’asi area of Gaza. ("Gunfire Directed into Psagot," IsraelNationalNews, July 20, 2006; "IDF Detonates 3 Tunnels in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 20, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Land in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, July 20, 2006; "1 Terrorist Killed & 3 Injured in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 20, 2004). July 19, 2006: - IDF tanks move into central Gaza under cover of machine gun fire from troops. - An IDF paratrooper force surrounds a Palestinian Preventative Service compound in Nablus to arrest wanted Fatah terrorists. Three Palestinians are killed during exchanges of fire. Dozens are arrested. - Sappers discover that Palestininian terrorists fired an improved Grad type rocket at the Western Negev on Tuesday. The Grad was found near Kibbutz Bror Hayil in the Western Negev. The rocket had an increased range and carried a larger warhead than the Qassam. - Five IDF soldiers are wounded and six Palestinian terrorists killed during clashes in the central Gaza Strip. - A total of 17 Palestinian terrorists are killed by IDF forces in Gaza. - IDF forces operate in Beit Hanoun (northern Gaza). - The IAF targets three terrorist cells, as well as one Qassam launching cell and a tunnel in the Karni Crossing area. - The IAF fires air-to-surface missiles at two Palestinian terrorists traveling in the Mou’asi area of Gaza. ("Israeli Tanks Move Into Gaza Refugee Camp," Reuters, July 19, 2006; Mijal Grinberg, Amos Harel, "Three Palestinians Killed in IDF Siege on Nablus Compound," Ha'aretz, July 19, 2006; Hillel Fendel, "5 Soldiers Wounded in Gaza, 17 Terrorists Killed," IsraelNationalNews, July 19, 2006; "Terrorists Eliminated in Targeted Strike in Israel," IsraelNationalNews, July 19, 2006). July 18, 2006: - Islamic Jihad claims they fired a Katyusha rocket at Sderot. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts near the home of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qasssam rocket at Sderot. Three people are treated for shock. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Ashkelon Park. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets that impact approximately two miles north of Sderot (the furthest north the missiles have hit). - IDF forces come under fire by Palestinian terrorists in Kabatia, Ramallah, and Nablus. - Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at Kibbutz Netiv Ha’Asarah. (Nissan Ratzlav-Katz, "Ma'an: Nasrallah Will Give Tel Aviv Residents One Hour to Flee," IsraelNationalNews, July 18, 2006; "Kassam Explodes Near Sharon´s Negev Home," IsraelNationalNews, July 18, 2006; "Kassam Hits North of Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, July 18, 2006; "More Attacks Against Soldiers in Samaria," IsraelNationalNews, July 18, 2006; "Rockets Hit Netiv Ha’Asarah," IsraelNationalNews, July 18, 2006). July 17, 2006: - An intelligence officer (AMAN) reports that terrorist cells have taken advantage of a breach in the Philadelphi crossing between Egypt and Gaza, and have moved to Sinai in an attempt to cross into Israel to carry out suicide attacks. - IDF officials report the arrest of senior Hevron area Fatah Tanzim terrorist Yousef Mahmud Ahmed Vered. - Three IDF soldiers are very lightly wounded in the Beit Hanoun area of northern Gaza by an anti-tank rocket attack. (Ilan Marciano, "IDF Intelligence Officer: Terrorist Cells Move From Gaza to Egypt," YnetNews, July 17, 2006; "Senior Tanzim Terrorist in Custody," IsraelNationalNews, July 17, 2006; "3 Soldiers Very Lightly Wounded in Anti-Tank Rocket Attack," IsraelNationalNews, July 17, 2006). July 17, 2006: - IDF artillery units fire into northern Gaza. - A number of vehicles are damaged in rocket attacks near Kibbutz Nahal Oz. - Ten rockets impact in the area (north of Gaza), during the night. - An Israeli motorist escapes unharmed in a shooting attack near Kalkilye. - Terrorists hurl a bomb at IDF forces in the Nablus Casba, killing one IDF soldier. - Israel Police arrest a Palestinian terrorist in Jerusalem planning to carry out a bombing attack in the city. According to IDF sappers, the bomb weighed 4-5 kilograms. ("IDF Artillery Firing into Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 17, 2006; "Rockets Land Near Nahal Oz," IsraelNationalNews, July 17, 2006; "Motorist Escapes Injuries in Shooting Attack," IsraelNationalNews, July 17, 2006; Amos Harel, Jonathan Lis and Avi Issacharoff, "Soldier Killed in Nablus; Police Foil Attack in Jerusalem," Ha'aretz, July 17, 2006). July 16, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets at Ashkelon. One impacts in close proximity a strategic facility, the second near Carmia, and the third close to the community of Mavki’im. - Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets at Sderot. ("Ashkelon Area Attacked by Gaza Rockets," IsraelNationalNews, July 16, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Attack on Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, July 16, 2006). July 16, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a total of 8 Qassam rockets at the Negev. Four are fired towards Sderot, including one that impacts in a school and another that causes a fire. Four others are launched towards Netivot and Kfar Maimon, causing damage to a building in Netivot. - IDF ground forces begin operating near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. - The IDF targets two Qassam launching cells in northern Gaza as well as a tunnel excavated for the purpose of smuggling terrorists into Israel. (Hilla Fendel, "Kassams Continue in Gaza, As Do IDF Counter-Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, July 16, 2006). July 16, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire five Qassam rockets at Israel, damaging buildings in Netivot. - IDF troops, tanks and attack helicopters operate in Gaza, eliminating three terrorists. ("Kassam Rocket Attack on Negev," IsraelNationalNews, July 16, 2006; Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel and Yuval Azoulay, "IDF Reenters Northern Gaza Strip Killing Three Militants," Ha'aretz, July 16, 2006). July 14, 2006: - The IAF targets the Palestinian Economy Ministry. - The IAF targets a small bridge near the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. - The IDF completed its latest counter-terrorist operation in the central Gaza Strip. The operation concluded after Givati, Golani and armored corps forces overtook the corridor between Kibbutz Kissufim inside Israel and the ruins of former Gush Katif communities, entering the outskirts of Khan Yunis and Dir el-Balah in Gaza. - Approximately 30 Palestinian terrorists were killed in the operation. - According to the IDF, Operation Summer Rains will continue. (Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel and Yuval Azoulay, "IAF Airstrike Targets Hamas-led Economy Ministry in Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 15, 2006). July 14, 2006: Palestinian terrorists force open a border gate between Egypt and Gaza, wounding an Egyptian officer. Egyptian police Capt. Mohammed Abdel Hadi said masked Palestinian terrorists firing guns broke into the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. ("Palestinians Forcibly Open Egypt-Gaza Border Gate," Associated Press, July 15, 2006). July 13-14, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire nine Qassam rockets towards Ashkelon and Sderot. - The IAF strikes a Hamas facility in Jabalya and a bridge in Central Gaza near Nuseirat (Gaza Strip). (Shmulik Hadad, "9 Qassams Fall in South," YnetNews, July 13, 2006; "Air Force Targets a Bridge & Hamas Facility in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 14, 2006). July 12, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at Moshav Moshav Netiv Ha’asara, damaging a greenhouse. - Hamas terrorists fire an anti-tank missile at IDF forces along the security fence near the Erez border crossing with Gaza. - A Qassam rocket attack ignites a fire upon impact in Kibbutz Be’eri (northwestern Negev). - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Alumim in the western Negev. - IDF ground troops eliminate three Palestinian terrorists in central Gaza. The terrorists were in the process of planting an explosive device on a road used by the army to enter the Khan Younis area. - IDF forces eliminate an Islamic Jihad terrorist in Khan Younis. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at a strategic site south of Ashkelon. - The IAF targets an armed terror cell operating on the ruins of the former Jewish community of Kfar Darom in the Gaza Strip. ("Kassam Attack at Netiv Ha’asara – Damage, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; "Terrorists Fire Anti-tank Missile at IDF in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; "Kassam Attack on Western Negev, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; "3 PA Terrorists Eliminated in Central Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Hit South; IDF Hits Terror Cell," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; "Kassam Rockets Hit South; IDF Hits Terror Cell," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006). July 12, 2006: - The IAF targets a two-story building in Gaza city. At least six people are killed and over a dozen wounded, including master terrorist Mohammed Deif and Abu Anas al-Ghandour, the Hamas military commander of northern Gaza. - IDF troops move into central Gaza, effectively cutting the Strip in half. ("IDF Targets Hamas Terrorists in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 12, 2006; Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "IDF: Hamas' Mohammed Def Wounded in IAF Strike; Mother, 4 Children Also Killed in Strike," Ha'aretz, July 12, 2006). July 11, 2006: The IAF targets a bridge near Beit Hanun to prevent Palestinian terrorists from transporting rockets. (Amos Harel, Aluf Benn and Mijal Grinberg, "Three Palestinian Teens Killed in IAF Strike on Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, July 11, 2006). July 10, 2006: A senior security sources warns that Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, and Ofakim will soon be within range of rockets fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip. According to IDF Military Intelligence (AMAN), various Palestinian terrorist groups are attempting to indigenously manufacture 22 km. Grad missiles. Terrorists are also seeking to import the Russian rockets via smuggling tunnels along the Egyptian border. (Itzik Saban, "Improved Qassams, 'Flying Suicide Bombers'," YnetNews, July 10, 2006). July 10, 2006: The Fatah Aksa Martyrs Brigades and the Islamic Jihad Jerusalem Brigades claim the successful launch of a Qassam rocket from Jenin in the northern West Bank toward the northern Israeli community of Ram-On. According to the joint announcement, the rocket impacted in an area controlled by the PA. The IDF Central Command rejects the Palestinian report. According to the IDF, Palestinian terrorists in Jenin do not yet have the ability to develop, manufacture or launch rockets at Israel. (Yaakov Katz, "Report: Kassam Launched in W. Bank," Jerusalem Post, July 10, 2006). July 10, 2006: The Fatah Aksa Brigades announces the recruitment of 100 female Palestinian suicide bombers. A woman who identified herself as Um al-Abed told reporters in Gaza City that approximately 100 women had expressed their desire to carry out suicide attacks against Israel. According to al-Abed, Fatah recently established a secret military unit for female suicide bombers from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem. "We have so far recruited 100 women for the new unit...We are expecting more female suicide bombers. The new unit is now preparing to launch attacks against Israel in response to the Israeli aggression and crimes against our people in the Gaza Strip." (Khaled Abu Toameh, "Aksa Brigades Announce Female Suicide Bomber unit," Jerusalem Post, July 10, 2006). July 10, 2006: - The IDF continues operations in the Gaza Strip. - The IDF identifies a terrorist cell preparing to fire anti-tank rockets in the Sajayiyeh neighborhood east of Gaza City. The IAF targets the cell, killing one terrorist and wounding five. - IDF forces eliminate two Islamic Jihad terrorists crawling towards the Gaza Strip perimeter fence, south of Kissufim Crossing. - The IAF targets a terrorist cell preparing to fire rockets at Israel. One terrorist is killed and another injured. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket from the ruins of the former Israeli community of Dugit. The rocket impacts in Gaza, causing no damage. Two other rockets fired from Gaza impact near Sderot. (Amos Harel, Aluf Benn and Mijal Grinberg, "Three Palestinian Teens Killed in IAF Strike on Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, July 11, 2006). July 9, 2006: - Senior IDF sources tell Haaretz that the military will intensify and broaden the scope of its raids into the Gaza Strip in the near future. - During the weekly Sunday cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert warns the ongoing operation is a "war in which it is impossible to set time limits." - The IDF is currently concentrating its operations in two primary areas of the Gaza Strip. The larger of the two is taking place in the area between the Karni crossing and the environs of the Sajayiyeh and Zeitun neighborhoods, east of Gaza City. Givati Brigade troops, backed by armored units, are searching for tunnels. The other operation, also involving Givati troops is taking place in the area of Dahaniye airport, south of Rafah. (Amos Harel, Aluf Benn and Mijal Grinberg, "Three Palestinian Teens Killed in IAF Strike on Beit Hanun," Ha'aretz, July 11, 2006). July 9, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire short-range missiles and anti-tank rockets in an effort to halt the ongoing IDF ground assault in the Gaza Strip. At least 30 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military advance from the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli security sources note that Palestinian terrorists have surrounded themselves with children in an effort to prevent Israeli counter-fire. According to Lt. Col. Yaniv, a battalion commander, "the Palestinians have been firing RPGs, automatic weapons and setting explosive charges." ("Israel Advances 12KMs Into Gaza," Middle East Newsline, July 9, 2006). July 9, 2006: The IAF targets a vehicle in Gaza, killing a Palestnian operative who was part of a terrorist cell preparing to fire rockets at Israel. ("IAF Jet Kills Arab Terrorist in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 9, 2006). July 9, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Sderot, wounding four Israeli civilians (one moderately). The impact heavily damages a house. (Hilell Fendel, "Two Dozen Weekend Kassams; Four Hurt on Sunday," IsraelNationalNews, July 9, 2006). July 9, 2006: IDF officials report that over 70 Palestinian terrorists were targeted since the start of Operation Summer Rains. Approximately 40 were targeted during the second phase of the operation, known as Bashan Oaks. ("IDF: Over 70 Arabs Injured Since the Start of the Operation," IsraelNationalNews, July 9, 2006). July 9, 2006: Israeli Border Police arrest five Palestinian Authority (PA) residents transporting at least one makeshift gun and ammunition in their vehicle (Hebron area). ("5 Arabs Arrested With Makeshift Weapon," IsraelNationalNews, July 9, 2006). July 8, 2006: - The IDF expands its Gaza operation, with tanks advancing to within 500 meters of Gaza City. Some 15 tanks enter the Strip through the Karni border crossing in what the army says is a search for tunnels used by Palestinian terrorists. - The armor corps and troops from the Givati infantry brigade reach Sajaiyeh and engage in fierce fighting with terrorists. - The IAF fires missiles at a group of terrorists in the outskirts of Sajaiyeh. Three Hamas terrorists are killed by tanks shells. - IDF forces withdraw from positions overlooking the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun. - IDF forces are active east of Gaza City in the area lying between Karni Crossing and the eastern neighborhoods of the city in addition to the Sufa Checkpoint in southern Gaza. As of Saturday evening, troops withdraw their positions near Sufa. In addition, a small contingent of IDF troops continues to operate in the Dahaniyeh airport region in southern Gaza. - IDF forces withdraw from Beit Lahiya, the Erez industrial zone and three former Israeli communities in Gaza. - The IAF targets a tunnel dug near the Karni crossing (covered by a henhouse) in the northeastern Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the tunnel was used by Hamas to smuggle arms and to enable terrorists to carry out terror attacks in Israel proper. - Israel Navy ships shell Qassam launch pads in the northern Gaza Strip. Tanks also block an east-west road south of Gaza City. (Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel, Aluf Benn, Mijal Grinberg and Yuval Azoulay, "Mother and Two Children Killed in Explosion in Gaza City," Ha'aretz, July 8, 2006). July 7, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire at least 15 Qassam rockets at Israel. The majority of the rockets impact in the Sderot area. One lands south of Ashkelon, and another half a kilometer away from the city of Netivot (western Negev). The range of the rocket that impacted near Netivot was apparently more than 10 kilometers. Three Sderot residents are lightly injured from shrapnel and four people treated for shock. One of the rockets that impacts in Sderot narrowly misses a school building in the city, and wounds three people. Another rocket hits a factory in a nearby town and starts a fire. Two more rockets land in a cemetery, causing another fire. Two rockets additional rockets impact in open fields. (Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel, Aluf Benn, Mijal Grinberg and Yuval Azoulay, "Mother and Two Children Killed in Explosion in Gaza City," Ha'aretz, July 8, 2006). July 6, 2006: - IDF forces establish a buffer zone in the former Israeli (Gaza) communities of Dugit, Nissanit and Elei Sinai to prevent rocket fire into southern Israel. - An IDF soldier is killed during a military operation in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. First Lieutenent Yehuda Bassel sustained a serious head wound during an exchange of fire in a house in the al-Atara neighborhood of Beit Lahia, where his Golani Brigade unit had taken position. Bassel was evacuated by helicopter to the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, where he died of his wounds. Palestinian snipers continued to fire during rescue efforts, delaying the evacuation of the soldier. - 21 Palestinians are killed during the ongoing operation. - Hamas terrorist Saeed Siam (PA Interior Minister) appeals to all security forces to fulfill their "religious and moral duty to stand up to this aggression and cowardly Zionist invasion." - Heavy fighting erupts in and around Beit Lahia (northern Gaza), especially in the western neighborhoods of Atatrah and Salatin. Palestinian terrorists, armed with Kalashnikovs, M16's and antitank grenades fight running battles with Israeli forces. - Palestinian terrorists are seen planting explosives underneath manholes in streets. - In southern Gaza, an IAF strike kills two Islamic Jihad terrorists in Abassan, near Khan Yunis. The terrorists were firing an antitank rocket at Israeli tanks and troops. - Palestinian terrorists fire eight Qassam rockets at the western Negev. Three impact in Sderot, one lands in the southern town of Kfar Aza, and another near Kibbutz Zikim, south of Ashkelon. Three more rockets impact in an open field near the Gaza border. (Avi Issacharoff, Amos Harel, Aluf Benn, Mijal Grinberg and Yuval Azoulay, "IDF Soldier, 21 Palestinians Killed in IDF Raid in North Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 6, 2006; "Steve Erlanger and Greg Myer, "Israelis and Palestinians Fight Fiercely in Gaza," New York Times, July 6, 2006). July 6, 2006: - IDF artillery targets a northern Gaza beach, killing a Hamas terrorist. - Palestinian terrorists fire at a car carrying reporters from the Al-Jazeera Arabic satellite TV network in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia. (Yuval Azoulay and Amos Harel, "Large IDF Force Prepared to Capture Deep Swath of Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 6, 2006). July 5, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Ashkelon. One of the rockets slams into a southern neighborhood and the second impacts in the Zikim area. Eight people suffer from shock, including two seven-year-old children. (Yuval Azoulay and Amos Harel, "Large IDF Force Prepared to Capture Deep Swath of Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, July 6, 2006). July 5, 2006: - Hamas terrorists fire at IDF troops and tanks in the northern Gaza border town of Beit Hanun. Hamas terrorists claim they fired at least two anti-tank rockets, hitting a tank and an armored bulldozer. An IDF spokesman clarifies that one rocket-propelled grenade was fired at the vehicles. - Israeli security forces foiled a major suicide bombing in center of the country, leading to the lowering of an alert that had been declared earlier in the Sharon region. A Palestinian terrorist from the Jenin area suspected of planning the attack is arrested by the police counter-terrorism unit in the Barkan industrial zone west of the Israeli community of Ariel. - In Jericho, IDF troops kill wanted Palestinian terrorist, Mahmoud Ja'abari, a member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Security forces said Ja'abri was involved in the murder of Israeli citizen Simha Ron and that an assembled bomb was found in his house. (Amos Harel, "Police Foil Major Suicide Bombing; Militant Shot Dead in Jericho," Ha'aretz, July 5, 2006). July 5, 2006: - The IAF targets the Palestinian Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip. - The IAF targets a Hamas training base in the Gaza Strip. (Amos Harel, "IAF Strikes PA Interior Ministry; Three Wounded," Ha'aretz, July 5, 2006). July 4, 2006: The IDF expands its ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Infantry, engineering and armored forces are now operating in three sectors: in the vicinity of Erez Crossing, around Beit Hanun in the northern Strip and at Dahaniya Airport in the south. (Amos Harel, "Hamas Gunmen Clash With IDF Soldiers in Northern Gaza Town," Ha'aretz, July 5, 2006). July 4, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a dual-engine Qassam rocket that impacts in the center of the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. The rocket hit the ORT Ronson High School building, causing light damage but no injuries. Hamas claims the rocket is an upgraded version of the original Qassam and is capable of reaching a range of 15 kilometers. However, the IDF disputes the claim, saying the rocket range was standard and limited to 9.5 kilometers. According to the IDF, the rocket was launched from the northern-most point of the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun (between the former northern Gaza comunities of Nisanit and Dugit) and traversed the longest distance of a projectile ever launched from the Gaza Strip. (Amos Harel, Yuval Azoulay, Avi Issacharoff, Aluf Benn and Mijal Grinberg, "Qassam Rocket Hits School in Center of Ashkelon," Ha'aretz, July 4, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Lands Inside Ashkelon for First Time," Jerusalem Post, July 4, 2006). July 4, 2006: - (IDF) Givati Brigade infantry troops, backed by armored personnel carriers, tanks and bulldozers, move into the Palestinian side of the Erez border crossing. The border crossing between Israel and northern Gaza is completely sealed off. According to the IDF Spokesperson's Office, the troops are searching for tunnels built near the border by terror organizations. - Palestinian terrorists fire Qassam rockets at Sderot and other areas of the western Negev. - IDF soldiers from the Golani Brigade's elite Egoz anti-guerilla unit track down a bomb-laden car in the Jenin refugee camp. The bomb comprised 24kg of explosives and two gas cylinders. The incident began when the same unit shot two Palestinian terrorists planting a bomb at the entrance to the city. One of the two, a 20-year-old Fatah terrorist is killed; the second, from Islamic Jihad, is wounded. - Three Palestinian terrorists wanted in connection with the abduction and murder of an Israeli youth last week surrender to IDF troops in the West Bank city of Ramallah outside the PA police station where they had taken refuge. (Amos Harel, Avi Issacharof and Mijal Grinberg, "IDF Infantry Moves Into Palestinian Side of Erez Border Crossing," Ha'aretz, July 4, 2006; Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "IDF Troops Find Bomb-Laden Car, Searching for Second Near Jenin," Ha'aretz, July 4, 2006). July 3, 2006: The IDF urges the political echelon not to maintain a limited ground troop presence in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz demands that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz either expand the current military operation in the Gaza Strip or order a withdrawal. According to Israeli officials, Halutz has argued that a static force in the Gaza Strip would result in Israeli casualties. "We can't remain in a stationary position for much longer...We're either inside and fighting or outside the Gaza Strip." ("Israel's Military Demands Decision on Gaza," Middle East Newsline, July 3, 2006). July 3, 2006: Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon warns of a harsh military response in the Gaza Strip if abducted Corporal Gilad Shalit is harmed by his Palestinian terrorist kidnappers. "If God forbid, they should hurt the soldier, our operations will be far far worse," Ramon tells Channel 2 TV. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's bureau said that Israel rejected an ultimatum issued earlier in the day by Palestinian militants holding Shalit, noting that Israel would not give in to blackmail. (Aluf Benn, Avi Issacharoff and Amir Oren, "Minister Ramon: IDF Operations in Gaza Will be 'Far Far Worse' if Shalit Harmed," Ha'aretz, July 3, 2006). July 3, 2006: - An IDF armored force enters northern Gaza. The force is operating along the border fence to detect explosive devices. Palestinian Authority (PA) sources report IDF forces have "taken control" of a number of buildings in the Beit Hanoun area, an area of northern Gaza used by terrorists to fire Qassam rockets into the Sderot and western Negev areas. - The three terror groups responsible for the kidnapping of IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit issue an official ultimatum to the State of Israel. The terrorists declare that Israel has until 6:00 a.m. on July 4th, 2006, to release Palestinian prisoners. The terrorists have threatened to kill Gilad if their demand is not fulfilled. - The IAF targets a car in Beit Hanoun, killing two terrorists. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Israel. The rocket impacts in the western Negev. - Police investigators report that a blaze in the Bari Nature Reserve (western Negev) was caused by a Qassam rocket. 60 dunams (15 acres) of forestry land was destroyed. ("IDF Operating in Northern Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, July 3, 2006; "Arab Terror Groups Issue Ultimatum," IsraelNationalNews, July 3, 2006; "Two Killed in IAF Airstrike on Car in Beit Hanoun," IsraelNationalNews, July 3, 2006; "Terrorists Fire Kassam at Western Negev," IsraelNationalNews, July 3, 2006; "Southern District Blaze Caused by Kassam Rocket," IsraelNationalNews, July 3, 2006). July 3, 2006: The IAF resumes strikes against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip, hitting a building used by the Fatah Al Aqsa Martyr's Brigades. (Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "Following Daytime Lull, IDF Resumes Strikes on Gaza Strip," Ha'aretz, July 3, 2006). July 2, 2006: IDF forces identify a cell of three armed Palestinian terrorists approaching their position in the southern Gaza Strip. The forces open fire, eliminating the cell. Two of the three terrorists wore explosive belts and intended to carry out a suicide bombing attack against the soldiers. (Amos Harel, "IDF Kills Three-Man Suicide Squad in Southern Gaza Confrontation," Ha'aretz, July 2, 2006). July 2, 2006: Hamas has signifcantly improved the Qassam rocket by increasing its payload and range with an extra engine, standard fuses and explosives payload. An IDF source notes the new Qassams "are much better than even two months ago....The warhead explodes and the blast reaches a wider area. The range is also longer." On June 30, Hamas fired an extended-range Qassam missile that contained two engines. The missile was 155 mm in diameter and impacted in a residential area of Ashkelon approximately 12 kilometers from the Gaza Strip. ("Hamas has Significantly Improved its Kassam-Class, Short-Range Missile," Middle East Newsline, July 2, 2006). July 2, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Nir Am. - Hamas threatens to attack Israeli school, institutions and power plants. "If they continue with these attacks we will strike similar targets in the Zionist Occupation which we have not targeted until now." (Shmulik Hadad, "Qassam Lands in Kibbutz Nir Am; no injuries," YnetNews, July 2, 2006). July 2, 2006: - The IAF targets the office of (Hamas) Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza City. - The IAF strikes the headquarters of a Palestinian Authority security organization founded by Hamas in Gaza, killing one terrorist and injuring another. - The IAF targets and kills a Hamas terrorist in the northern Gaza town of Jabalya. (Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel, "Two Hamas Operatives Killed in Further Air Strikes," Ha'aretz, July 2, 2006). July 1, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Western Negev. (Shmulik Hadad, "Palestinians Launch Qassam Towards Western Negev; No Wounded," YnetNews, July 1, 2006). [Archive]
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