September 30, 2005:

Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Alumim.

In addition, three Palestinian terrorists are killed in Balata and Askar (Nablus area).

(DebkaFile, September 30, 2005).

September 29, 2005:

Middle East Newsline reports that Hamas has taken control over much of the Gaza Strip.

According to Palestinian sources, Hamas operatives, some in uniform, have been manning roadblocks and patrolling the streets of towns and cities in the Gaza Strip. The sources said virtually all of Gaza's refugee camps have come under Hamas control.

The sources note that Hamas has been strongest in the southern Gaza Strip and that masked Hamas operatives have taken over Rafah near the Egyptian border.

("Hamas Takes Over Much of Gaza," Middle East Newsline, September 29, 2005).

September 29, 2005:

Two Palestinians die in a shootout after they are intercepted by an Israeli patrol near Burkin, west of Jenin. A third Palestinian is killed hurling two explosive devices at IDF forces in the Jenin casbah.

In addition, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip fire an RPG at Kibbutz Netiv Ha'asara and a Qassam rocket at Kibbutz Haner.

("Three Armed Palestinians Killed Overnight Wednesday on the West Bank, Gazan Palestinians Continue Shooting," DebkaFile, September 29, 2005).

September 28, 2005:

IDF Major General Aharon Farkas confirms that al Qaeda operatives have infiltrated the Gaza Strip.

("Israeli Military Intelligence AMAN Chief Reports Influx of al Qaeda to Gaza Strip, Confirming DEBKAfile’s Earlier Reports," DebkaFile, September 28, 2005).

September 28, 2005:

The IAF targets three structures in the Gaza Strip:

- A PFLP building in the central Gaza Strip.

- A Fatah building in Gaza City.

- A building used by the "Resistance Committee" in the northern Gaza Strip.

("IDF Attack of Structures Used by Terror Organizations in Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 28, 2005).

September 27, 2005:

Media reports indicate that the PA has obtained weapons that could change the balance of power with Israel, including extended range Katyusha rockets, SA-7 surface-to-surface missiles and RPG-7 anti-tank rockets.

("In One Week, Egypt-Israel Security Ties Change as Border Turns 'Hot'," GeoStrategyDirect, September 27, 2005).

September 27, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at Kibbutz Erez and Sderot.

IDf forces return artillery fire.

(DebkaFile, September 27, 2005).

September 27, 2005:

The IAF targets two structures in Khan Yunis (southern Gaza Strip).

The targeted structures were used by Fatah and Hamas.

("IDF Attacks One Fatah & One Hamas Office in Khan Yunis," IDF Spokesperson's Unit, September 27, 2005).

September 26, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot.

(DebkaFile, September 26, 2005).

September 26, 2005:

Israeli security forces announce that a West Bank Hamas cell abducted and killed a businessman from the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisagat Ze'ev. Security forces find Sasson Nuriel's body in an industrial zone north of Ramallah. A Hamas operative in Ramallah is arrested in connection with the murder.

(Amos Harel and Jonathan Lis, "Amos Harel and Jonathan Lis," Ha'aretz, September 26, 2005).

September 26, 2005:

The IAF targets four structures used by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip for the manufacturing and storage of weaponry. The following is a list of the structures targeted:

- Two structures used by the Hamas terror organization to manufacture weapons in the cities of Gaza and Khan Yunis.

- A structure used by the Al Aktza Martyr's Brigade as a weapons storage facility in the city of Rafah.

- A structure used by the PFLP for the manufacturing of mortar shells in Khan Yunis.

("IDF Attack of Weaponry Structures Today in Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 26, 2005).

September 26, 2005:

The IDF targets an access route in the northern Gaza Strip used by terrorists to launch Qassam rockets at Israel.

In addition, IDF forces arrest 207 wanted Palestinians in the West Bank.

("Attack of Terror Infrastructure in Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 26, 2005).

September 25, 2005:

IDF and ISA forces kill senior Islamic Jihad terrorist Mahmed Halil A-Latif Shiek Halil, responsible for the planning and execution of numerous terror attacks against Israeli targets, including the murder of Tali Hatuel and her four children.

In addition, IDF forces arrest 207 wanted Palestinians in the West Bank.

("Background Information: Senior Islamic Jihad Terrorist Targeted Tonight in Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 25, 2005; "207 Wanted Palestinians Were Arrested During the Night," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 26, 2005).

September 25, 2005:

The IAF strikes a building belonging to Hamas in the Sajaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. The IAF also attacks two structures, one in Jabaliya, and the other in Beit Hanoun. Both were used to manufacture weapons.

("IDF Attacks in Gaza City," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 25, 2005; "IAF Air Strike Tonight in the Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 25, 2005).

September 25, 2005:

The Israeli security cabinet approves defense establishment recommendations formulated in response to ongoing Palestinian attacks, including renewed targeted killings, artillery fire and strikes against Palestinian infrastructure in Gaza Strip.

(Diana Bahur-Nir, "Cabinet OKs Harsh Response," YnetNews, September 25, 2005).

September 25, 2005:

- The Sderot and Shaar Hanegev school systems announce a strike to protest the ongoing Qassam attacks.

According to a statement issued by Sderot officials, "these actions are a result of an unbearable security situation. Town leaders will conduct an uncompromising struggle to ensure the security of town residents."

- In the southern kibbutz of Nir-Am, residents spend the night in bomb shelters. Kibbutz Secretary Avi Kadosh notes that this is the first time locals are adopting the measure, following ongoing attacks the previous night.

Two of Qassam rockets fired at the kibbutz landed at the elementary school in the community Saturday, causing serious damage to classrooms.

(Diana Bahur-Nir, "Cabinet OKs Harsh Response," YnetNews, September 25, 2005).

September 24, 2005:

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas blames Hamas for a deadly explosion at a rally in Gaza Friday that left at least 15 people dead. According to Abbas, Hamas put civilians at risk by parading with weapons in crowded neighborhoods.

(Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, "Abbas: Hamas Irresponsibility Caused Gaza Rally Blast Friday," Ha'aretz, September 24, 2005).

September 23-24, 2005:

- Palestinian terrorists fire over 41 Qassam rockets at Sderot, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz and Zikkim, south of Ashkelon. 12 Israelis are wounded in the barrage. The rockets impact near a sports center, on a school, factory, and residential building.

- The IAF launches airstrikes against two vehicles in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, killing four Palestinians.

According to the IDF, the vehicles were carrying Hamas operatives and weapons.

- The IAF also strikes several structures belonging to Hamas being used for the manufacture and storage of weapons in Jebalyah, Zeitun neighborhood and Gaza City.

- IDF tank, infantry, and artillery units are deploying along the northern Gaza Strip border.

(Nir Hasson and Amos Harel, "Air Strike on Gaza Cars Kills Four Hamas Members," Ha'aretz, September 24, 2005; DebkaFile, September 24, 2005; "IAF Air Strike Tonight in the Northern Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 24, 2005; Nir Hasoon, "Sderot Municipality to Shut Down Schools After Qassam Attacks," Ha'aretz, September 24, 2005).

September 23, 2005:

IDF forces kill three Islamic Jihad operatives in the village of Alar, near Tulkarem (West Bank/Samaria).

According to an Israeli official, IDF soldiers planned on arresting suspects in the area. Three armed Palestinians fled the scene and opened fired at IDF forces. IDF forces returned fire.

(Amos Harel, "Security Forces Kill 3 Wanted Gunmen in West Bank Clashes," Ha'aretz, September 23, 2005).

September 22, 2005:

Shin Bet Director Yuval Diskin states that the Egyptians are having trouble taking control of the Rafah border along the Gaza Strip. Diskin also notes that a massive amount of weapons and ammunition have been smuggled into the Strip from Sinai, including RPG launchers and anti-tank rockets.

According to Diskin, thousands of automatic weapons and 1.5 million rounds of ammunition are currently circulating in the Gaza Strip.

(Diskin Paints an Ominous Picture Concerning Weapons Smuggling into Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 22, 2005).

September 21, 2005:

Meir Indor, head of the Almagor organization for victims of Arab terrorism and a lieutenant colonel in the reserves, notes that IDF representatives are misrepresenting the security reality in order to downplay the serious threats created by the Disengagement Plan.

According to Indor, IDF spokesmen and the minister of defense have claimed that there are no anti-aircraft missiles in the Gaza Strip.

"The IDF is concealing the extent of the threats inherent in the current situation [and is] attempting to minimize the seriousness of...smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip."

Indor also notes that the head of military intelligence told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that there were no shoulder-fired Strella anti-aircraft missiles in Gaza, but then admitted that some had been smuggled in.

The Almagor organization is calling for a special Knesset session to address the violations of all agreements reached between Israel and Egypt, and between Israel and the Palestinian Authority that were signed before the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza was implemented.

("Meir Indor: IDF a Defender of the "Disengagement Cult," IsraelNationalNews, September 21, 2005).

September 21, 2005:

Dan Harel, head of the Southern Command, warns that criminal activity in the Negev has been overtaken by arms smuggling.

("IDF Southern Commander Fears Negev Smuggling," IsraelNationalNews, September 21, 2005).

September 19, 2005:

The IDF begins preparing for the prospect of Palestinian missile and rocket strikes against major Israeli cities.

Military sources note the General Staff has assessed that Palestinian terrorists and the Palestinian Authority have obtained weapons during recent days that may change the balance of power with Israel. They said these weapons could threaten such major Israeli cities as Ashkelon as well as Israeli civilian and military aircraft in much of southeastern Israel.

According to a military source, "We are now operating on the assessment that the Palestinians have Katyusha rockets that could travel at least 25 kilometers as well as surface-to-air missiles."

("Israel Prepares for Rocket Strikes - 25 KM," Middle East Newsline, September 19, 2005).

September 17, 2005:

IDF forces recover an M-16 assault rifle, ammunition, and other unspecified military equipment in El Bireh (West Bank).

("Weapon & Military Paraphernalia Found in El-Bireh," IsraelNationalNews, September 18, 2005).

September 17, 2005:

Al Qaeda tells its followers to cross from Egypt into the Gaza Strip over the Philadelphi Route which the Egyptians and Palestinians have failed to seal.

("Al Qaeda is Calling for 'Volunteers' to Fight with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," DebkaFile, September 17, 2005).

September 17, 2005:

IDF forces intercept four Palestinian youths between the Tapuah and Jit junctions in the West Bank/Samaria carrying three loaded handguns and additional ammunition.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the youths had planned to carry out a shooting attack along the road.

("Shooting Attack Thwarted South of Nablus," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 17, 2005).

September 17, 2005:

A dispute over a parking space erupts into a shootout between rival Palestinian security forces in downtown Ramallah.

Approximately 60 security personnel belonging to the special forces and national forces are exchanging fire in the center of town.

("Parking Space Quarrel Erupts into Shootout in Ramallah," Ha'aretz, September 17, 2005).

September 16, 2005:

Israeli Border Police have intercepted twenty Palestinians along the Egyptian-Israeli border during the past five days.

(DebkaFile, September 16, 2005).

September 16, 2005:

A PA resident transporting two shotguns and ammunition in his vehicle is arrested east of Kalkilya.

("PA Resident in Custody – Weapons Found in Vehicle," IsraelNationalNews, September 16, 2005).

September 16, 2005:

DM Minister Mofaz orders senior defense officials to expand the buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip region. Following the implemenation of the disengagement plan, Negev communities are only hundreds of meters from Palestinian Authority controlled northern Gaza and are exposed to enemy rockets, infiltration as well as light-weapons fire.

("DM Mofaz Calls for Expanded 'Buffer Zone' in Northern Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 16, 2005).

September 14-15, 2005:

DebkaFile reports that Hamas and Islamic Jihad have smuggled in hundreds of terrorists with sidearms, Qassam missiles, long-range rockets, and anti-tank and ground-air missiles from the northern Sinai into the Gaza Strip.

According to DebkaFile, the terrorist groups were aided by Egyptian troops as tens of thousands of Palestinians stormed across the Gaza Egyptian border following the IDF's withdrawal from the area.

It should also be noted that Lebanese terrorists have also crossed into the Gaza Strip.

("Egyptians and Palestinians Make a Mockery of Their Accords with Israel," DebkaFile, September 14, 2005; "DEBKAfile: The Palestinians Poured their Entire Sinai Arms Dumps into Gaza, Taking Advantage of Four Days of Unrestricted Border Transit," DebkaFile, September 15, 2005).

September 13, 2005:

An explosion near Netiv H'Asarah appears to have been caused by a hand grenade or bomb thrown at an IDF vehicle.

("Update on Explosion Near Netiv Ha’Asarah," IsraelNationalNews, September 13, 2005).

September 13, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF forces manning the Hawarah Checkpoint in Samaria, south of Nablus.

("Shooting Attack in Samaria," IsraelNationalNews, September 13, 2005).

September 12, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire two Qassam rockets into Israel.

("Israel's Military Does Not Expect Gaza Retaliation," MENL, September 13, 2005).

September 11, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire a mortar at Kibbutz Nahal Oz in the western Negev.

Palestinians also fire at IDF soldiers guarding the evacuated northern Samaria community of Kadim.

("Mortar Shell Lands In Western Negev," IsraelNationalNews, September 11, 2005; "Terrorists Fire at Soldiers in Northern Samaria," IsraelNationalNews, September 11, 2005).

September 10, 2005:

Egypt deploys 200 soldiers along its border with the Gaza Strip as part of Israel's disengagement from the area.

According to Mohammed Youssef, an official with the Egyptian State Information Service, 200 soldiers were deployed and the remainder would take up positions during the next four days.

"This is the beginning of the deployment of 750 Egyptian border soldiers along the Philadelphi corridor according to the agreement between the Egyptians and the Israelis to maintain security along the Gaza-Egypt border after the Israeli withdrawal."

Yousself also noted that Egyptian soldiers would be permitted to carry heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers.

(Aluf Benn, "Egyptian Troops Deploy Along Gaza Border," Haaretz Correspondent & News Agencies, September 10, 2005).

September 10, 2005:

Masked Palestinian gunmen abduct an Italian journalist in the Gaza Strip town of Deir El-Balah after stopping his car and forcing him into theirs.

In addition, at least 60 armed Palestinians seize two Palestinian government buildings in the town, demanding jobs with the Palestinian Authority.

("Italian Journalist Abducted in Gaza," Associated Press, September 10, 2005).

September 10, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire at an IDF vehicle in evacuated Gush Katif.

Palestinians also fire at IDF forces in Atzmona, Kissufim, and Rafah (Gaza Strip).

In addition, IDF forces at the Hawarah checkpoint in the West Bank/Samaria discover two pipe bombs.

("Shooting Attack Against IDF In Gush Katif," IsraelNationalNews, September 10, 2005; Pipe Bombs Found Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, September 10, 2005).

September 9, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank rocket at IDF forces near Erez (northern Gaza).

In addition, IDF forces detect a bomb in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border.

("Anti-Tank Rocket Fired at Soldiers in Northern Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 9, 2005; "Bomb Detected in Southern Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 9, 2005).

September 8, 2005:

IDF prosecutors charge a Palestinian with undergoing training at an Al-Qaida camp in Afghanistan, but note that the defendant later declined an offer to join Osama bin Laden's global network.

("IDF Prosecutors Charge West Bank Palestinian With Al-Qaida Link," Reuters, September 8, 2005).

September 7, 2005:

IDF sappers safely detonate two large bombs found near the Kissufim Crossing (Gaza Strip).

One bomb contained 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of explosives and the other weighed 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

("Sappers Destroy Two Large Bombs Near Kisufim," IsraelNationalNews, September 7, 2005).

September 7, 2005:

Dozens of Palestinian gunmen storm the Gaza City home of former security chief Moussa Arafat and shoot him dead in the street.

According to witnesses, gunmen with rifles and anti-tank grenades battled the guards at Arafat's house for more than 30 minutes before storming in and pulling him outside.

(Amos Harel, "Gunmen Kill Former PA Security Chief Moussa Arafat in his Home," Ha'aretz, September 7, 2005).

September 6, 2005:

An Israeli civilian is lightly wounded when Palestinian terrorists hurl three grenades at soldiers and civilians carrying out engineering work along the Israeli-Egyptian border.

(Hanan Greenberg, "Palestinians, IDF Clash in Gaza," YnetNews, September 6, 2005).

September 6, 2005:

A group of Palestinian teenagers carrying Hamas and PLO flags infiltrates the evacuated community of Neveh Dekalim in the Gaza Strip. Some of those involved in the incident climb aboard an IDF tank. Palestinian sources report one fatality.

(Hanan Greenberg, "Palestinians, IDF Clash in Gaza," YnetNews, September 6, 2005).

September 6, 2005:

Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz states that the West Bank could become a main arena for terror. Mofaz also notes that the IDF will increase its deployment along the southern seam line to prevent suicide bombers from infiltrating the Negev.

(Aluf Benn and Amos Harel, "Israel to Transfer Parts of Northern West Bank to Palestinian Authority," Ha'aretz, September 6, 2005).

September 6, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire at IDF troops in Khalil, near Nablus in Samaria/West Bank.

Terrorists also fire at IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip, near the security fence and in southern Gush Katif.

In addition, IDF forces uncover a cache of weapons and equipment in Kfar Tufah, northwest of Hebron.

("Terrorists Fire at IDF Troops Near Shechem," IsraelNationalNews, September 6, 2005; "3 Shooting Attacks Against Soldiers in Gush Katif," IsraelNationalNews, September 6, 2005; "IDF Forces Uncover Terrorist Weapons, Supplies," IsraelNationalNews, September 6, 2005).

September 5, 2005:

At least four Palestinians are killed and 27 wounded when an explosion destroys a weapons laboratory in the home of a senior Hamas operative in Gaza City.

(Arnon Regular, "Four Killed When Blast Destroys Gaza City Weapons Laboratory," Ha'aretz, September 5, 2005).

September 5, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire a Qassam rocket at the Negev.

Palestinian terrorists also fire at IDF forces along the Karni-Netzarim Road.

("Kassam Rocket Attack in the Negev," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005; "Terrorists Fire at Soldiers in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005).

September 5, 2005:

Palestinian Authority police use live ammunition to disperse rioters demanding jobs. The rioters are attacking PA offices in Khan Yunis, south of Gaza City.

16 peope are reported wounded, including 11 civilians and 5 policemen.

("PA Police Battling Rioters in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005; "PA Using Live Ammunition Against Violent Protesters," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005).

September 5, 2005:

The IDF intercepts a terrorist attempting to smuggle 15 rifles in the area betwen Kiryat Arba/Hevron and Kiryat Gat.

("IDF Catches Terrorist with 15 Rifles," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005).

September 5, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire a mortar at an Israeli community near northern Gaza.

("Terror Attacks: Molotov Cocktail and Mortar Shell," IsraelNationalNews, September 5, 2005).

September 4, 2005:

Palestinian terorists fire at an IDF position in Gaza, near the evacuated community of Nevei Dekalim.

("IDF Base in Gaza Comes Under Enemy Gunfire," IsraelNationalNews, September 4, 2005).

September 4, 2005:

Palestinian terrorists fire a mortar at the evacuated Israeli community of Dugit. Palestinian terrorists also fire at IDF positions along the Karni-Netazrim Road near Kfar Darom in southern Gush Katif.

("Terror Attacks Continue in Gaza During the Night," IsraelNationalNews, September 4, 2005).

September 4, 2005:

Media reports indicate that a new and improved Hamas Qassam rocket with a 16.5 kilometer (10 mile) range will place Ashkelon, Netivot, and Prime Minister Sharon's Sycamore Ranch within striking distance of the Gaza Strip.

Security agencies are also concerned that the new rocket may strike the Rotenberg power station in Ashkelon.

The new rocket is in an advanced stage of development, but is not yet operational. According to a senior security official, the rocket will be fully functional within months.


("Ashkelon, Netivot & Sycamore Farm to be within Hamas Rocket Range," IsraelNationalNews, September 4, 2005; Alex Fishman, "Hamas Develops Improved Rocket," YnetNews, September 5, 2005).

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