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May 31, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot. The rockets cause damage and send two people into shock. - Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Nahal Oz. (Baruch Gordon and Hillel Fendel, "Rocket Scores Direct Hit on Jewish Home in Sderot," IsraelNationalNews, May 31, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Falls Near Kibbutz Nahal Oz, IsraelNationalNews, May 31, 2006). May 31, 2006: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appoints Mahmoud Damra (also known as Abu Awad) commander of his Force 17 "presidential guard" in the West Bank. The appointment was made despite Damra's known involvement in terrorist attacks against Israelis. It should be noted that Israel recently agreed to provide weapons and ammunition to Force 17 following increased threats on Abbas's life. (Khaled Abu Tomaeh, "Exclusive: Abbas Names Top Fugitive Head of Force 17," Jerusalem Post, May 31, 2006). May 30, 2006: - IDF special forces launch a ground and air assault in Bet Lahiya (northern Gaza Strip), killing four Islamic Jihad terrorists preparing to launch rockets into Israel. - The IDF continues artillery fire in response to Palestinian mortar and rocket attacks. - IDF special forces kill Ha'ani Saka, an Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorist near Nablus. - An IDF undercover unit exchanges fire with a group of armed Palestinian gunmen in the northern West Bank village of Qabatiyah, killing Tareq Ahmed Zaqarn, an Islamic Jihad terrorist. ("IDF Ground Assault in Gaza Kills 4 Terrorists," IsraelNationalNews, May 30, 2006; Ali Waked, "Report: 3 Killed in Gaza Operation," YnetNews, May 30, 2006; "IDF Kills Terrorists in Shechem Area," IsraelNationalNews, May 30, 2006; Amos Harel, "IDF Kills at Least 7 Gunmen in Gaza, West Bank Raids," Ha'aretz, May 30, 2006; "IDF Forces Thwart Projectile Rocket Attack In Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, May 30, 2006). May 29, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire two mortars at an IDF base in Nahal Oz (near Sderot). IDF artillery forces return fire. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Moshav Netiv Ha'asrah. - IDF forces eliminate a suicide bomber as he attemps to cross the perimeter fence in the northern Gaza Strip. His accomplice is arrested. The Popular Resistance Committee confirmed to Reuters News Agency, "Our hero was martyred in a shootout with Zionist forces." ("Mortar Shell Slams into Army Cafe, No Injuries," IsraelNationalNews, May 29, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Attack, IDF Artillery Fire," IsraelNationalNews, May 29, 2006; "IDF Kills Suicide Bomber Near Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, May 29, 2006). May 28, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket that impacts between Erez and Netiv Ha’Asarah. - IDF forces shoot and injure a Palestinian terrorist in Kapin. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Alumim in the Negev. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli city of Sderot. IDF artillery forces return fire. - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the Nahal HaBesor area in the Negev. ("No Injuries in Kassam Rocket Attack," IsraelNationalNews, May 28, 2006; "Gunman Shot & Wounded Near Jenin," IsraelNationalNews, May 28, 2006; "Kassam Explodes Near Kibbutz Alumim," IsraelNationalNews, May 28, 2006; "Kassam Explodes Near Sderot; IDF Fires Artillery into Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, May 28, 2006; "Two Kassams Land in Nahal HaBesor," IsraelNationalNews, May 28, 2006). May 27, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli town of Kfar Maimon. ("No Injuries in Saturday Night Kassam Rocket Attack," IsraelNationalNews, May 27, 2006). May 27, 2006: Middle East Newsline reports that Egypt has sought to deploy troops in the Gaza Strip to prevent civil war in the Palestinian Authority. "The Egyptians proposed the offer and it was rejected immediately...Then, the Egyptians repeated the offer and it was seen as something serious." ("Egypt Proposes Stationing Troops in Gaza," Middle East Newsline, May 27, 2006). May 25, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a mortar at the Gaza border fence in the Nahal HaBasor area. ("Mortar Shells Land Near Nahal HaBasor," IsraelNationalNews, May 24, 2006). May 24, 2006: The IDF has conducted a multi-service exercise to test its capability to launch an invasion of the Gaza Strip. The military's Southern Command exercise included representatives of the army, navy and air force. Military sources note the exercise focused on the ability of the three services to communicate with each other and share situational awareness. "This does not mean we're invading Gaza...That's a political decision. Our job is to be ready for anything." ("Israel Conducts Exercise to Invade Gaza," Middle East Newsline, May 24, 2006). May 24, 2006: Palestinian factional clashes continue, resulting in the death of Hamas operative Nabil Hodhod - who is killed in a car bombing. Hodhod was a senior officer in the Gaza PA preventive security force. Four additional Hamas terrorists are injured. (Arnon Regular, "PA Leaders to Meet in Bid to End Factional Unrest in Territories," Ha'aretz, May 24, 2006). May 24, 2006: Four Palestinian terrorists are killed during an IDF operation in Ramallah. An IDF soldier is lightly wounded. IDF troops entered the city to arrest Mohammad Shubaki, the Islamic Jihad leader in Qalqiliya. Palestinian terrorists fired at IDF forces while Palestinian youths hurled stones and Molotov cocktails. Soldiers fired rounds in the air to disperse the crowd. Three of four identified terrorists were killed when the soldiers returned fire, and the fourth later died from his wounds. Shukbaki was successfully apprehended. ("4 Palestinians Killed in IDF Operation," YnetNews, May 24, 2006). May 24, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets towards Israeli communities in the western Negev. One of the rockets strike an unoccupied house in the town of Netiv Ha'asarah. ("Two Rockets Fired From Gaza; One Lands in Netiv Ha'asarah," IsraelNationalNews, May 24, 2006). May 23, 2006: Middle East Newsline reports that Arab allies of the Palestinian Authority have sought refuge from the emerging civil war in the Gaza Strip. Egyptian and Jordanian diplomats have avoided traveling in much of the Gaza Strip to avoid being a target in battles between Fatah and Hamas. As part of their war, both factions, supported by rival PA security agencies, have established roadblocks and ambushed each other's patrols. According to a diplomatic source, "Most of the diplomats and military advisers of Egypt and Jordan have left the Gaza Strip or remain indoors...They have been under orders from their governments to do everything they can to avoid becoming a target." ("PA Allies Run for Cover in Gaza," Middle East Newsline, May 23, 2006). May 23, 2006: IDF Chief-of-Staff Dan Halutz tells the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Arab terrorists from Gaza are able to bypass the elaborate high-tech security barrier separating Gaza from Israel by infiltrating the country via the border with Egypt. The Israeli-Egyptian border between the Negev and the Sinai desert, hundreds of miles long, mostly unfenced, and largely unprotected, has become a haven for smuggling weapons, drugs, and criminals into Israel. Terrorist infiltrators from Gaza can temporarily blend in with the local Arab population, which numbers in the tens of thousands, providing a springboard for attack. Halutz said, however, that since beefing up patrols, terrorist and criminal activity on the border has dropped by 50%. The border between Gaza and Egypt has also become a focal point for terrorist operations. The Chief IDF Operations Officer told the committee that terrorists are smuggling untold quantities of weapons and ammunition into Gaza via tunnels dug under the Egyptian border and via the sea, despite vigorous efforts by the IDF to curtail the phenomenon. (Scott Shiloh, "IDF Chief: Terrorists Crossing into Israel from Egypt," IsraelNationalNews, May 23, 2006). May 23, 2006: Israeli security forces apprehend Ibrahim Hamed, a Hamas terrorist who has topped Israel's "most wanted terrorists" list since 1998 for his role in the murder of 80 Israelis. Security source say Hamed, the head of the Hamas military wing in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), was in the midst of planning additional large-scale attacks. Hamed is responsible for the deaths of 80 Israelis in various attacks. Among the terror atrocities he organized were the following: - Cafe Moment in Jerusalem, March 9, 2002, 12 murdered - Cafeteria in Hebrew University, July 31, 2002, 9 killed - Double suicide car-bombing in Zion Square, Dec. 1, 2001, 11 murdered - Sheffield Hall in Rishon LeTzion, May 7, 2002, 6 dead - Suicide bombing at Tzrifin bus stop, Sep. 9, 2003, 9 murdered - A suicide bombing at the Hillel Cafe in Jerusalem, killing 7, including Dr. David Appelbaum and his daughter Nava, who was to be married the following evening. (Hillel Fendel, "#1 Wanted Terrorist Caught," IsraelNationalNews, May 23, 2006). May 23, 2006: The Egyptian interior ministry announces that the three suicide bombers responsible for the triple explosion that rocked the Sinai resort of Dahab on April 24, (leaving more than 20 dead), were trained in weapons and bomb-making by Palestinian religious fundamentalists in the neighboring Gaza Strip. ("DEBKAfile: Egypt Makes First Official Link Between al Qaeda and Palestinian Terrorists in Gaza, Accusing Palestinian Religious Extremists of Training Sinai Bombers," DebkaFile, May 23, 2006). May 23, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the western Negev community of Netiv Ha’Asarah. - Palestinian terrorists fire at an IDF position in the community of Psagot. - Palestinian terrorists fire a rocket towards Kibbutz Gavim. ("Kassam Rocket Strikes Greenhouses," IsraelNationalNews, May 23, 2006; "Gunfire Directed into Psagot," IsraelNationalNews, May 23, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Attack in the South," IsraelNationalNews, May 23, 2006). May 22, 2006: The administrative assistant to the Jordanian Ambassador in Gaza is killed and 11 others wounded in some of the heaviest fighting between Fatah and Hamas factions in the past two months. (Hana Levi Julian, "Jordanian Ambassador’s Assistant Killed in Gaza Violence," IsraelNationalNews, May 22, 2006). May 21, 2006: - Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot. One hits an empty classroom, while the other causes two women to go into shock. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli town of Kfa Aza. - Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Zikim area. - The IDF responds by firing 200 artillery shells towards the Gaza Strip. - Defense Minister Amir Peretz instructs the Israel Defense Forces and Defense Ministry Director-General Jacob Toren to prepare an immediate plan for the fortification of schools in the vicinity of the Gaaza Strip. (Hillel Fendel, "Kassams in Sderot: Classroom Hit With Students Waiting Outside," IsraelNationalNews, May 21, 2006; "Kassam Expodes Near Kfar Aza," IsraelNationalNews, May 21, 2006; "IDF Fires 200 Shells into Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, May 21, 2006; Hanan Greenberg, "Peretz: Children's Life is Top Priority," YnetNews, May 21, 2006). May 20, 2006: The IAF targets Muhammad Dahdouh, a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist and an expert in producing Grad rockets. (Ali Waked, "Gaza: 4 Killed in Car Blast," YnetNews, May 20, 2006). May 20, 2006: Tarek Abu Rajab, the Palestinian General Intelligence chief in Gaza City, narrowly escapes an assassination attempt Saturday morning. According to Palestinian witnesses in Gaza, an explosion tore through the intelligence headquarters in the city, killing one and wounding five more, including Abu Rajab, who suffered light wounds. According to a separate report, Abu Rajab was wounded when gunmen opened fired in his direction. (Ali Waked, "Gaza Infighting: Hit Targets Intelligence Chief," YnetNews, May 20, 2006). May 18, 2006: The IDF resumes heavy artillery fire in response to Palestinian Qassam rocket attacks against Israel. Nine rockets impact in Israel on Thursday - one of them near an IDF base. ("IDF Resumes Artillery Following Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, May 18, 2006). May 18, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire at a civilian vehicle near the Tapuah Junction in northern Samaria (West Bank), wounding two Israelis. The Fatah Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claims responsibility for the attack. ("Shooting Victim In Serious Condition," IsraelNationalNews, May 18, 2006). May 17, 2006: Islamic Jihad test-fires indigenous versions of the Russian-origin BM-21 Grad rocket (from the northern Gaza Strip) for range and accuracy. A military source notes: "We believe Islamic Jihad, probably with Hamas, has been developing and producing prototypes of the Grad...We know they have the expertise and the equipment to produce the rocket." ("Jihad Prepares Rockets for Mass Production," Middle East Newsline, May 17, 2006). May 17, 2006: Fuad Shabaki, Yasser Arafat's former finacial aide, reveals that millions of dollars in international aid and taxes were transferred to the Palestinian Authority by Israel to purchase large quantities of weapons. According to Shubaki, some of the money was also used to fund Palestinian terror groups. Shubaki also notes that under Arafat's direction, high-ranking PA security officials were involved in manufacturing and purchasing weapons in addition to funding terror groups in their war against Israel. Shubaki estimates that $7-10 million were used every two years to purchase arms for the Gaza Strip, and another $2 million were spent on weapons for the West Bank. The money came from international aid to the PA, tax money Israel routinely transferred to the PA and taxes collected in the Gaza Strip. Shubaki also confesses to involvement in the purchasing of weapons for the head of the Tanzim terror group in Gaza, used in attacks against military installations and Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip. In addition, Shubaki notes that several senior Palestinian officials were involved in the allocation of the money to military purposes. Among them was Jibril Rajoub - head of the PA Preventative Security Force in the West Bank - who together with the other officials received payments for his part in the weapons purchases. Following the outbreak of violence in September 2000, Arafat ordered the appointment of PA officials in various Arab countries to facilitate the arms purchases. The PA officials would transfer Shibaki their arm-deal proposals and would then obtain final approval from Arafat. In 2001, Iran offered to assist the Palestinians in training soldiers, providing weapons and funding the construction of weapon factories. Arafat rejected the offer - made to Shubaki during a meeting with Iranian officials in Dubai - fearing it was an Iranian plot to undermine his rule. One of the largest weapon deals struck between Iran and the Palestinians was the attempt to smuggle over 50 tons of armaments aboard the Karine A ship in 2002. Shubaki notes that the transaction was coordinated between the PA, Hizbullah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. (Yaakov Katz, "'Arafat Used Foreign Aid to Buy Weapons'," Jerusalem Post, May 17, 2006). May 17, 2006: Two Palestinian terrorists ae killed and a third seriously injured in an exchange of fire with IDF forces in Nablus. ("Two Terrorists Killed in Shechem Shootout With IDF," IsraelNationalNews, May 17, 2006). May 17, 2006: Islamic Jihad officials claim they have developed a new missile with a 24-kilometer (15-mile) range. (Scott Shiloh, "IDF General Says Katyusha Not an Escalation of PA Terrorism," IsraelNationalNews, May 17, 2006). May 16, 2006: - Unidentified Palestinian gunmen shoot dead Mohammed Tatar, a senior Hamas operative, as he is driving near Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's office in Gaza city. - Masked Palestinian gunmen in the Khan Yunis area of Gaza shoot and wound two Hamas terrorists. - Palestinian gunmen storm the headquarters of mobile company Jawwal in Gaza in protest of their disconnected phones. The gunmen damage over 10 computers. (Arnon Regular, "Palestinian Gunmen Kill Senior Hamas Member, Wound Two in Gaza," Ha'aretz, May 17, 2006). May 16, 2006: Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists fire a Katyusha rocket at the western Negev community of Netiv Ha'asara. The rocket hits a chicken coop - killing thirty chickens. Shrapnel from the impact damages a water pipe and adjacent greenhouse. The IDF determines that the rocket, a Grad-class Katyusha, was fired from the evacuated Israeli community of Dugit in the Gaza Strip. The Grad is 122 millimeters in diameter and carries 6 kilograms of explosives (13 pounds). The attack marks the third time Palestinian terrorists fired a Katyusha at Israel. The first attack took place on Election Day, and the second occured a few days later. (Shmulik Hadad, "Katyusha Kills 30 Chickens," YnetNews, May 16, 2006). May 15, 2006: The IAF targets a vehicle carrying Islamic Jihad terrorists. Three terrorists are wounded. The area of the strike is often used to launch Qassam rockets into Israel. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "IAF Missile Strike Wounds Three Islamic Jihad Militants in Gaza," Ha'aretz, May 15, 2006). May 15, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli community of Netiv Ha’Asarah. ("Kassam Rockets Fired Near Netiv Ha’Asarah," IsraelNationalNews, May 15, 2006). May 14, 2006: - The IDF shells areas in northern Gaza to prevent the firing of Qassam rockets into Israel. - IDF artillery batteries deployed along the Gaza Strip border have fired more than 5,100 shells at Qassam rocket "launch areas" since March 31, primarily in northern Gaza. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Security Forces Operating Near Jenin Kill 7 Palestinians," Ha'aretz, May 15, 2006; "IDF Shells Northern Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, May 14, 2006). May 14, 2006: Israel Navy patrol ships intercept a Palestinian vessel carrying a large amount of explosives in close proximity to the Gaza Strip. The boat contained about 450 kilograms (992 pounds) of TNT, mine components, and large bags of explosives had been thrown overboard. A military official noted that the incident marked the second attempt this month to smuggle weapons-grade explosives into the Gaza Strip. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Security Forces Operating Near Jenin Kill 7 Palestinians," Ha'aretz, May 15, 2006). May 14, 2006: Security forces kill seven Palestinian terrorists in separate incidents in the West Bank. Among those killed was the senior Islamic Jihad militant in the Jenin area, Elias al-Ashkar. - In the village of Qabatiyeh, near Jenin, special police forces surround a house where Palestinian gunmen were believed to be hiding. Two Palestinian brothers, Mujahad and Sahir Hanisha, an Aqsa militant wanted by security forces, are killed in the exchange of fire. In the early evening hours, an IDF bulldozer began leveling the home in response to the gunmen's refusal to surrender. During the razing, IDF soldiers and the terrorists exchange gunfire. Five armed Palestinians are killed in the incident, including al-Ashkar, a resident of Baka al-Sharkiya. Al-Ashkar was believed to be involved in a number of attacks carried out by Islamic Jihad within the Green Line, the last one being a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv's old central bus station in April, in which 11 people were killed. - IDF troops and Border Policemen surround a house adjacent to Palestinian intelligence headquarters, in an attempt to arrest wanted terrorists. Two of the men, former Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades member Ali Jibran and Jihad Kamil, are killed by IDF fire. (Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Security Forces Operating Near Jenin Kill 7 Palestinians," Ha'aretz, May 15, 2006). May 14, 2006: Palestinian terrorists detonate a bomb against a vehicle at the Shilo Junction in the West Bank (Samaria). One person is lightly injured. ("Bomb Attack at Shilo Junction," IsraelNationalNews, May 14, 2006). May 13, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire a number of Qassam rockets at the western Negev. No injuries are reported. ("Kassam Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, May 13, 2006). May 13, 2006: Israeli Border Police sappers safely detonate a bomb packing 10 kilograms of explosives. The bomb was discovered during an IDF raid in the West Bank city of Nablus. Police sources note the explosive device was intended for use in a suicide attack against an Israeli target. (Amos Harel, "IDF Says Thwarted Suicide Bombing in Nablus Raid," Ha'aretz, May 13, 2006). May 12, 2006: Knesset Member Effie Eitam (National Union) notes that any withdrawal from Judea and Samaria (West Bank) will result in rockets fired at major Israeli cities. "Aside from the short-range rockets the Palestinians have now, it is just a question of time before they obtain longer-range missiles from Iran. Regardless, Olmert's withdrawal will give the terrorists land bordering our major cities." "Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000. Now Hezbollah has over 10,000 missiles on the border pointed at us. Israel evacuated Gaza last summer. The missiles are flying out every day...There is no doubt a withdrawal from Judea and Samaria will bring a rocket war to Israel." (Hana Levi Julian, "Arab Rocket Threat Reaches Judea and Samaria," IsraelNationalNews, May 12, 2006). May 12, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets at the western Negev. No injuries are reported. ("No Injuries in Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, May 12, 2006). May 12, 2006: Jordan continues to arrest Hamas members on charges of smuggling weapons into the Hashemite kingdom. Officials note that Jordanian authorities have arrested at least 20 Hamas operatives in recent days who were reportedly planning a series of attacks against Israeli and Western targets in the kingdom. According to Jordanian government spokesman, Nasser Judeh, "Hamas was attempting to recruit elements in the Jordanian arena and trying to recruit elements from abroad to send to Syria and Iran to obtain military training." ("Jordan Continues to Arrest Hamas Members," Middle East Newsline, May 11, 2006). May 11, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire four Qassam rockets at the western Negev. (Shmulik Hadad, "4 Qassams Hit Western Negev," YnetNews, May 11, 2006). May 11, 2006: The IDF reveals the Tulkarem arrest of Mansour Mansour, a senior Palestinian dealer in weapons and stolen cars. ("IDF Nabs Senior Arab Arms Dealer," IsraelNationalNews, May 11, 2006). May 11, 2006: Hamas leader Khaled Meshal calls on Hamas supporters around the world to send weapons, fighters and funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA). ("Meshal Calls for Weapons, Fighters and Funds," IsraelNationalNews, May 11, 2006). May 10, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets at the western Negev. One rocket impacts in an open field near Sderot, while two additional rockets land in the Carmiya and Zikim sectors, south of Ashkelon. IDF forces respond with artillery fire. (Shmulik Hadad, "3 Qassams Fired at Israel; IDF Retaliates," YnetNews, May 10, 2006). May 9, 2006: The Jerusalem-based Arabic-language daily al-Quds reports a branch of al-Qaeda is operating in Palestinian Authority (PA) controlled Gaza. ("Report: Al-Qaeda Operating in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, May 9, 2006). May 9, 2006: Hamas and Fatah have deployed militias in preparation for what could be an internal Palestinian war in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian sources, both militias include members of the Palestinian Authority security agencies. The agencies have been divided into those controlled by Fatah and the new Hamas-led government. ("Hamas, Fatah Prepare Militias for Battle," Middle East Newsline, May 9, 2006). May 9, 2006: Islamic Jihad successfully deploys its new multi-launch missile system against Israel. According to Palestinian sources, the platform contains four launchers to fire Qassam-class, short-range missile in sequence. ("Jihad Succeeds in New Multi-Launcher," Middle East Newsline, May 9, 2006). May 9, 2006: Nine Palestinians, including 4 children on their way to school, are injured in resumed Hamas-Fatah gunfights in Gaza City’s Tuffah district. (DebkaFile, May 9, 2006). May 8, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire 8 Qassam rockets into the western Negev. The rockets impact in the vicinity of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai and Zikim (an IDF base). ("Arabs Fire Eight Kassams into Western Negev," IsraelNationalNews, May 8, 2006). May 8, 2006: Rival Hamas and Fatah gunmen fire at each other with assault rifles. An anti-tank missile is also launched by Hamas. Two Fatah operatives and Hamas member are killed in the clashes. At least 10 others are wounded. (Arnon Regular, "Hamas Hints Fatah Men Set Palestinian Parliament Building on Fire," Ha'aretz, May 8, 2006). May 5, 2006: An IAF aircraft targets a training camp in Gaza City, killing five Palestinian terrorists. Palestinian officials said the dead men were training at a base used by the Popular Resistance Committees, an umbrella group responsible for numerous rocket attacks against Israel. (Amos Harel, "PRC Threatens Revenge, Buries Five Militants Killed in IAF Gaza strike," Ha'aretz, May 5, 2006). May 5, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire six Qassam rockets at Israel. One Qassam impact in an open area near Sderot, causing no injuries. Rockets also impact in the Mediterranean Sea, the Zikim sector south of Ashkelon, and the Yad Mordechai area. In addition, a rocket is fired at the community of Kerem Shalom. The IDF responds with artillery fire. (Shmulik Hadad, "Rocket Barrage hits South," YnetNews, May 5, 2006). May 4, 2006: The Israeli navy intercepts a Palestinian fishing boat near Ashkelon. The crew throws weapons and large bags overboard after the approach of Israeli naval vessels. A sample later reveals that that the contents were 550 kilograms of high-quality TNT. ("DEBKAfile Exclusive: Israeli Navy Alerted Early Wednesday by Approach of Suspect Palestinian Fishing Boat from Gaza to Israeli Port of Ashkelon," DebkaFile, May 4, 2006; Yaakov Katz, "Navy Recovers 550 kg. of Smuggled TNT," Jerusalem Post, May 9, 2006). May 3, 2006: Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip, briefly interrupting Independence Day celebrations in the south of the country. (Shmulik Hadad, "Rockets Give Revelers a Scare," YnetNews, May 3, 2006). May 2, 2006: Hundreds of combat support items are discovered in a shipping container sent from China to the Gaza Strip. Customs officials confiscate 300 telescopes, some of which have sights and infrared markers for long-range targets. (Shmulik Hadad, "Gaza-Destined Combat Shipment Confiscated," YnetNews, May 2, 2006). May 2, 2006: The Islamic Jihad terrorist group claims it fired 56 Qassam rockets at Israeli communities during the month of April. The terrorist group also noted that its goal is to hit Ashkelon, an Israeli city north of Gaza, and strike the Rotenberg power plant. Eleven rockets were fired at the IDF base in Zikim, and six at targets in Sderot. The report states that not a single day passed last month without at least one Qassam rocket fired at Israel. Thirty-five of the rockets were of the Qassam-3 long-range model, 10 were of medium range, and 11 were the short-range "Quds" version. (Scott Shiloh, "Islamic Jihad: Daily Kassams Attacks; Goal to Hit Power Plant," IsraelNationalNews, May 2, 2006). May 2, 2006: Two Palestinian policemen are killed in a Qassam rocket strike on a building at the Palestinian national security compound in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources note that the rocket hit the base of the Third Brigade of the Palestinian national security forces, east of the Jabaliya refugee camp. The blast caused the one-story building to collapse. (Arnon Regular, "Two Palestinian Policeman Killed in Rocket Strike on Their Gaza base," Ha'aretz, May 2, 2006). May 2, 2006: - Palestinian terorists hurl an explosive at an IDF armored vehicle in Azzoun, east of Kalkilye. - An elite Israeli police unit apprehends a Fatah terrorist in Bituniya, south of Ramallah, along with two other Palestinian Authority (PA) residents wanted for questioning by authorities. ("Bomb Attack in Azzoun," IsraelNationalNews, May 2, 2006; "Terrorist Apprehended in Bituniya," IsraelNationalNews, May 2, 2006). April 30-May 1, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. The rocket impacts south of the kibbutz. No injuries or damage are reported in the attack. ("Kassam Attack South of Yad Mordechai," IsraelNationalNews, April 30, 2006). [Archive]
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