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September 30, 2006:
A 76-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy are lightly wounded when a Qassam rocket strikes a fence around a house in Sderot. The rocket hit four meters from the front door of the house, causing serious damage. The residents of the house were at synagogue at the time of the strike. The injured woman and boy were walking past the house at the time of the strike and were hit by shrapnel. Seven other people were treated for shock. (Avi Issacharoff, Avi Issacharof, "Palestinians: IAF Air Strike in Southern Gaza Kills Militant, Wounds Four," Ha'aretz, September 30, 2006). September 28, 2006:
Hundreds of Palestinian Authority police and security officers block all main roads in Gaza City with garbage containers and burning tires in a protest against unpaid wages. Policemen, firing rifles into the air, turn some garbage bins upside down, causing rubbish to spill out and also use broken concrete to halt traffic on Gaza City's main streets. (Avi Issacharof, "Abbas Orders Partial Payment of Salaries to PA Civil Service Employees," Ha'aretz, September 28, 2006). September 28, 2006:
Scenario Projection
September 27, 2006:
Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin accuses Egypt of allowing Palestinian terrorists to smuggle tons of weapons into the Gaza Strip. "The Egyptians know who the smugglers are and don't deal with them...They received intelligence on this from us and didn't use it." According to Diskin, Palestinian terrorists have smuggled 19 tons of weapons and explosives into the strip from Egypt since the withdrawal. "We're talking about an escalation that is endangering us..." ("Shin Bet Chief Accuses Egypt of Allowing Weapons Smuggling into Gaza Strip," Associated Press, September 27, 2006). September 27, 2006:
IDF forces and ISA personnel operateing in Nablus seize a 10kg explosive belt intended for use in an imminent suicide bombing. ("BACKGROUND INFO: Suicide Bombing Thwarted," IDF Spokesperson's Unit, September 27, 2006). September 27, 2006:
Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter recommends that Israel should apply "constant pressure" on the Egyptian leadership to stop the smuggling across the narrow Philadelphi corridor dividing Egypt from Gaza. Israel should enlist the help of the United States and European Union to halt the smuggling, and should possibly even lodge a complaint on the matter with the UN Security Council. Dichter criticizes the government for its handling of the security situation in the western Negev, noting the response to Qassam rocket attacks by Palestinians was "not in line with the threat." According to Dichter, the government should reevaluate its response to the Qassams, which have been targeting western Negev communities almost daily for the past two months. Israel does not need to reoccupy Gaza, but does need to reestablish deterrence vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Israel "should strike wherever necessary" to stop the attacks before they turn deadly. ("Shin Bet Director Dichter: Tougher Security Stance Needed in Gaza, North," Jerusalem Post, September 27, 2006). September 27, 2006:
The IAF targets a house in Rafah (Gaza Strip). The house belonged to weapons dealer Sammy al-Shaer and was used to conceal weapons smuggling tunnels. The IDF called al-Shaer 15 minutes before the strike and warned him to vacate the premises. (Gideon Alon, "Medics: Girl Killed, Seven Hurt in IAF Gaza Strike," Ha'aretz, September 27, 2006). September 27, 2006:
Exchanges of gunfire are reported between Fatah al-Aqsa Brigade and Hamas terrorists in northern Gaza. Sources in the PA (Palestinian Authority) report the gunfire is a result of ongoing tensions between rival terror factions. ("Infighting Continues in PA," IsraelNationalNews, September 27, 2006). September 26, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire two rockets at the Israeli city of Sderot. One of the rockets, a powerful Al-Kuds model, hit Begin Square, near the city's open-air market. A woman sustains shrapnel to the leg and is evacuated to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. The second rocket impacts in the yard of a home, pock-marking it with shrapnel and moderately injuring a female soldier. ("Qassam Rockets Strike Sderot, Wounding woman Soldier," Ha'aretz, September 26, 2006; "Kassam Rocket Slams into a Sderot Home," IsraelNationalNews, September 26, 2006; Hillel Fendel, "Kassam-Kuds Rockets Hit Sderot, Woman Hurt; Hamas Promises More," IsraelNationalNews, September 26, 2006). September 25, 2006:
- A prominent Palestinian journalist from the Gaza Strip is kidnapped from his radio station by a group of masked terrorists, who release him after several hours unharmed. Eyewitnesses said at least 15 gunmen stormed the offices of the local Sawt Al-Hurriya (Voice of Freedom) radio station on the 13th floor of the Al-Shurouk Tower in the center of Gaza City and forced the journalist, Salim Abu Amr, to accompany them to an unknown destination. Abu Amr, who is known to his listeners as Abu Basel, is the host of a popular talk show that is broadcast every morning in the Gaza Strip. Sources in Gaza City described him as a Fatah supporter and a staunch critic of Hamas. - Palestinian terrorists detonate a bomb near IDF soldiers in the area of Gaza’s Kissufim Crossing. ("Bomb Detonated Against Soldiers in Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 25, 2006; Khaled Abu Tomaeh, "Gunmen Kidnap Palestinian Journalist," Jerusalem Post, September 25, 2006). September 25, 2006:
- Security remains high across Israel as Palestinian terrorist organizations continue efforts to perpetrate a major attack. - Palestinian terrorists in northern Gaza fire two Qassam rockets at the western Negev. One lands near Gavim Junction and the second impacts on Highway 232, damaging two vehicles. ("Security Remains High During Holiday Season," IsraelNationalNews, September 25, 2006; "Monday AM Kassam Rocket Attacks," IsraelNationalNews, September 25, 2006). September 23, 2006:
Palestinians terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip fire a Qassam rocket at the Israeli community of Mavkiim, south of Ashkelon. ("Qassam Lands South of Ashkelon," YnetNews, September 23, 2006). September 23, 2006:
The IAF targets the house of a Palestinian weapons dealer (near the Gaza-Egypt border) that had covered the entrance to a smuggling tunnel. (Avi Issacharoff, "IAF Bombs House of Suspected Palestinian Weapons Dealer," Ha'aretz, September 23, 2006). September 22, 2006:
- Palestinian police guarding a church in Nablus exchange fire with terrorists. - Three small pipe bombs are thrown at a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza city. - Two Palestinian policemen are wounded when Palestinian terrorists detonate a small bomb near police guarding European Union monitors at the Egypt-Gaza Rafah border crossing. The incident occurs just minutes after the crossing opened for the first time in a month. None of the EU monitors are injured. Palestinian police respond by opening fire. ("Churches Attacked in Gaza, W. Bank," Associated Press, September 22, 2006; "Two PA Police Wounded in Rafah Blast," Associated Press, September 22, 2006). September 21, 2006:
- Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a Qassam rocket at Sapir College in the Western Negev. A classroom is damaged in the attack. - Palestinian terrorists fire three Qassam rockets, causing property damage but no casualties. One of the rockets impact in the town of Sderot and another in the surrounding area. (Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, "At Least Five Palestinians Killed in IDF Raids in Gaza," Ha'aretz, September 21, 2006). September 20, 2006:
Israeli security forces impound 10 million dollars from West Bank moneychangers routing funds from Syria/Iran to Hamas, Fatah and Islamic Jihad. (DebkaFile, September 20, 2006). September 20, 2006:
MK (National Union) Effie Eitam, a retired IDF brigadier-general, tells Army Radio that the IDF withdrawal from northern Samaria (West Bank) and Gaza has created a process of "Lebanonization." Eitam warns that future re-deployments from areas of Judea and Samaria will lead to an increase of this process, posing a direct threat to major cities such as Tel Aviv. ("Eitam: Lebanonization of Northern Samaria and Gaza," IsraelNationalNews, September 20, 2006). September 20, 2006:
- The al-Quds faction of Islamic Jihad releases a statement claiming responsibility for firing a volley of Qassam rockets into the western Negev Wednesday morning. A 15-year-old Bedouin youth was moderately wounded by shrapnel in his chest. At least one person was treated for shock. The rocket that injured the teen landed in the hothouse area near Kibbutz Erez. - The IDF eliminates a Palestinian terrorist involved in the launching of Qassam rockets at Israel. A second terrorist is wounded. ("Islamic Jihad Boasts Responsibility for Firing Kassam Rockets," IsraelNationalNews, September 20, 2006; "One Terrorist Killed," IsraelNationalNews, September 20, 2006). September 19, 2006:
Poll: Most Palestinians think Hamas shouldn't recognize Israel According to a survey conducted by the Khalil Shikaki research institute in Ramallah at the end of last week, 67 percent of Palestinians believe Hamas should not recognize the state of Israel, while only 30 percent believe it should. (Avi Issacharoff, "IAF Strike Targets Building in Southern Gaza Strip; No Injuries," Ha'aretz, September 19, 2006). September 19, 2006:
Unidentified gunmen smash the offices of the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) and attack a reporter. Fatah has deployed hundreds of armed men in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younes to guard public institutions and officials. (DebkaFile, September 19, 2006; Khaled Abu Tomaeh, "Gunmen Attack Wafa Office in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, September 19, 2006). September 18, 2006:
- Bodyguards for Palestinian (Hamas) Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh open fire outside the Gaza City parliament as PA workers demand their unpaid wages. Haniyeh was blocked by protesters when he approached the building for a cabinet meeting. His bodyguards then began firing shots in the air and beating demonstrators. A female Fatah parliamentarian hurt in the melee was taken to hospital. - An organization calling itself "Al-Qaida in Palestine" claims responsibility for the killing of Jihad Tayeh, a brigadier general in the Palestinian General Intelligence Service in the Gaza Strip, and four of his bodyguards. "This is only one of the actions we have planned to hunt the heretics," said the group in its declaration. (Avi Issacharoff, "Palestinian PM Bodyguards Open Fire Outside Parliament in Gaza," Ha'aretz, September 18, 2006). September 17, 2006:
Israeli Military Intelligence (AMAN) anticipates Palestinian rocket and missile strikes from the West Bank by 2007. According to military sources, Palestinian terrorist groups will acquire sufficient technology and components to assemble missiles modeled after the Hamas-origin Qassam. The sources note that Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have conducted tests of crude missiles and rockets. "At this point, the main thing stopping rocket strikes against Israel from the West Bank is the inability by local Palestinians to design a weapon with sufficient range...A missile or rocket that can travel one or two kilometers has little value." ("Israel's Military Expects Palestinian Rocket and Missile Strikes From The West Bank By 2007," Middle East Newsline, September 17, 2006). September 17, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists fire a volley of Qassam rockets at Israel. One lands on a home in Kibbutz Gavim, causing light injuries and hysteria amongst residents. ("Kassam Rockets Strike Sderot Area," IsraelNationalNews, September 17, 2006). September 16, 2006:
Fatah terrorists go on a rampage in Gaza City, raiding several schools and firing into the air in protest against the assassination of Gen. Jad Tayeh, a senior officer belonging to the Palestinian Authority's General Intelligence Force. Tayeh was killed on Friday together with four of his aides and bodyguards when masked gunmen opened fire at their vehicle near the home of PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. (Khaled Abu Tomaeh, "Fatah gunmen rampage in Gaza," Jerusalem Post, September 16, 2006). September 16, 2006:
- A Palestinian terrorist group calling itself the Swords of Islamic Right threaten to blow up all churches and Christian institutions in the Gaza Strip in protest against remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI. The group also claims responsibility for a shooting attack on a church in the Zaituon neighborhood of Gaza City. "What the Pope said is unforgivable," the group said in a statement. "We will continue to target churches." Christians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip make up less than 10% of the population. Most of them are located in Bethlehem and its surrounding villages and towns. Fewer than 2,000 Christians are reportedly living in the Gaza Strip, which is a stronghold for Islamic terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. - Two more churches, neither of them Catholic, are attacked with firebombs in Nablus. (Khaled Abu Tomaeh, "Pope's Words Spur Attacks on Gaza, W. Bank Churches," Jerusalem Post, September 16, 2006). September 16, 2006:
Some 2,000 Palestinians angrily protest against Pope Benedict XVI in Gaza City, accusing him of leading a new Crusade against the Muslim world. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh claims that the Pope has offended Muslims everywhere. ("Thousands Protest Pope's Remarks in Gaza City," Ha'aretz/News Agencies, September 16, 2006). September 15, 2006:
- Unidentified gunmen kill a top Palestinian security officer and his four bodyguards in a drive-by shooting near the Gaza home of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas. The officer was identified as Brigadier General Jad Tayeh, the head of international coordination in the Palestinian intelligence services. The shooting took place in an area known as Beach Camp, near Haniyeh's heavily guarded compound. - A small explosion causes minor damage in a courtyard outside a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City. A second explosion hits the church hours later and a concussion grenade is thrown near the church in the afternoon. Neither of the blasts cause major damage, but church officials worry that the attacks were retaliation for remarks about Islam by Pope Benedict XVI. - Islamic Movement leader Sheik Ra'ad Salah proclaims Jerusalem will soon become the capital of an Islamic nation and that Israel's "occupation" of the Temple Mount is nearing its end. ("PA Security Official, Bodyguards Killed in Gaza Shooting Attack" Ha'aretz, September 15, 2006; Yoav Stern, " Islamic Movement head: J'lem Destined Capital of Caliphate," Ha'aretz, September 15, 2006). September 14, 2006:
The Israeli defense establishment declares a high state of alert following 16 concrete terror warnings. As such, security forces will boost their activities ahead of the Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) holiday. The warnings, which originated in the northern West Bank and the Gaza Strip, include planned kidnappings, suicide bombings, shootings and launches of high-trajectory weapons. (Efrat Weiss, "Terrorists Planning to Kidnap Soldiers, Civilians," YnetNews, September 14, 2006). September 14, 2006:
A tunnel excavated at the Karni crossing was discovered at the end of August following the arrest of Majed Fahmi Salameh Kambez, a Popular Resistance Committees terrorist. During his interrogation, Kambez, a resident of the Gaza Sajaiya neighborhood, revealed the PRC planned to place powerful explosive devices inside the tunnel - beneath an IDF administration building. In addition, Kambez told security personnel that he was involved in directing the terror attack carried out by the PRC, Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades at the Karni crossing on January 13, in which six Israelis were killed. His terrorist activities also included: military exercises at training camps, weapons smuggling, firing antitank missiles at IDF soldiers and recruiting individuals for terror attacks. (Efrat Weiss, "Terror Attack at Karni Crossing Foiled," YnetNews, September 14, 2006). September 13, 2006:
During a counter-terrorism conference at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, former IDF Chief of Operations Major-General Yisrael Ziv stats that he does not "see a realistic political solution in the near future," and notes Israel will face "a new wave of terrorism in which suicide bombers will [play] a substantial role." (Tal Rabinovsky, "Major-General Ziv: New Wave of Attacks Underway," YnetNews, September 13, 2006). September 13, 2006:
Al-Qaida's No. 2 condemns U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon as enemies of Islam and warns the terror group will strike the Persian Gulf and Israel in a video Monday marking the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Addressing the United States, al-Zawahri said "you should not waste your time" reinforcing troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, "because they are doomed to defeat. Instead, you have to reinforce your troops in two regions. First is the Gulf, where you will be thrown out after you are defeated in Iraq, at which point your economic ruin will be achieved...The second is Israel, because the jihad reinforcements are getting closer to it." The Egyptian-born al-Zawahri called on the Muslim world "to rush with everything at its disposal to the aid of its Muslim brothers in Lebanon and Gaza" and accused Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia of being "traitors" when it came to those two conflicts. "We have seen over the last months increased al-Qaida activity in our area," in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt's Sinai peninsula, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said. "We've seen an attempt by al-Qaida to also infiltrate in Gaza and even in the West Bank, so we take the threat very seriously and we're taking the appropriate countermeasures," he said, without elaborating. (Lee Keath, "Al-Qaida Lieutenant Warns of New Attacks," Associated Press, September 12, 2006). September 13, 2006:
IDF Chief Dan Halutz announces the formation of a new unit that will patrol the Israel-Egyptian border. Ron Ashrov, one of the founders of the Givati force, will head the new unit. According to Halutz, the new patrol will provide Israel with improved security against the growing threat of terrorism in the Sinai Peninsula. Last year, Israel withdrew its soldiers from Philadelphi Route, from the border city of Rafiah and eastward, and allowed Egypt to take responsibility to keep terrorists from smuggling weapons into the Gaza area and from infiltrating into the Negev. Intelligence officials have complained that the Egyptian force has been ineffective. ("New IDF Unit To Patrol Sinai Border," IsraelNationalNews, September 12, 2006). September 12, 2006:
Israeli military intelligence (AMAN) and the Israeli Security Agency have concluded that Force 17, a unit loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, was led by at least one commander linked to attacks against Israel. Security sources note that Abbas has retained commanders who ordered attacks against Israeli civilians over the last five years. On September 5, Israeli border police apprehended the Ramallah Force 17 commander, Mahmoud Damra. Damra, 45, was regarded as a leading commander of Force 17 in the West Bank. The sources said he planned attacks in which at least six Israeli civilians were killed. ("PA Unit Aided By West Has 'Terror Chief,'" Middle East Newsline, September 12, 2006). September 12, 2006:
- An Israel Defense Forces tracker is killed during exchanges of fire with Palestinian terrorists in the central Gaza Strip. "I can confirm that an Israel Defense Forces non-commissioned officer was killed by gunfire," an IDF spokesman said. "[Soldiers] were fired upon in central Gaza... during an operation to eliminate terrorist infrastructure." IDF reservists set out for a routine operation adjacent to the security fence in central Gaza early Tuesday morning. During the operation, the troops entered a house near near Dir el-Balah, where a gun battle erupted between the soldiers and two Palestinian terrorists. The tracker was hit and critically wounded in the exchange of fire. He died a short time later. Hamas and the PRC claim responsibility for the attack - After a two-hour standoff on Tuesday, IDF troops in Bethlehem arrest Tanzim head Ali Salaha. The suspect gave himself up after soldiers from an elite unit surrounded a building in which he was hiding. During the two-hour standoff, clashes erupted between soldiers and local residents. An IDF officer and a border policeman were lightly wounded by a grenade and by rocks, Israel Radio reported. (Jonathan Lis, "IDF soldier killed in exchanges of fire in central Gaza," Ha'aretz, September 12, 2006; "IDF Arrests Bethlehem Tanzim Leader," Jerusalem Post, September 12, 2006). September 11, 2006:
- Two Palestinians are killed in a Fatah-Hamas exchange of fire south of Gaza City. - Palestinian terrorists fire an anti-tank missile at IDF forces from southern Gaza. - IDF forces intercept a Palestinian terrorist carrying two pipebombs (west of Nablus). (Hillel Fendel, "Hamas and Fatah Forming Joint Government," IsraelNationalNews, September 11, 2006). September 10, 2006:
Hezbollah: Palestinian Terrorist Role Model Murad abu Shadi Marshoud had a revelation. As he watched the mighty Israeli army held at bay by a small band of Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, Marshoud said he understood its implications for the Palestinians' own resistance movement. "We've been doing everything wrong," the 26-year-old said. "Hezbollah has shown us the way. After years in the wilderness, Hezbollah has given us hope." Mohammed Salman, 24, says the Palestinian movement needs a top-to-bottom revival. "Our resistance is over. No one wants to admit it, but we've failed," he said. "We have to rebuild our movement, from the ground up, and the obvious model is Hezbollah." "Hezbollah is disciplined, sure of its steps," said Marshoud, twin brother of the late Khalil Marshoud, a leader in the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. "For us a brigade is formed when four friends decide they are a brigade. I've never had a day of training. None of us have. Hezbollah fights with anti-tank missiles - that they know how to use." A 25-year-old member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades said watching Hezbollah was "like going to school." The man, who would give only his nickname, "Honey," said: "Most obviously, we need a leader like (Hezbollah's Hassan) Nasrallah. Beyond that, we all need to believe that a free Palestine is more important than our personal glory, or riches, just as pushing Israel out of Lebanon was to Hezbollah." (Matthew Schofield, "Hezbollah Gives Hope to Palestinians," McClatchy Newspapers: Mercury News, September 10, 2006). September 10, 2006:
2 Palestinians Killed in Armed Clan Clashes in Gaza and Nuseirat Ayman Mahmoud Abu Toha, a 38-year old resident of Beach Refugee Camp in Gaza City, was killed yesterday by a bullet to the chest when he attempted to break up a clan clash in the refugee camp. Two days ago, Haidar Mustafa Ali Mahdi, a 75-year old resident of Nuseirat Refugee Camp, was killed by bullets fired at his house due to a financial dispute involving his son. ("2 Palestinians Killed in Armed Clan Clashes in Gaza and Nuseirat," PCHR, September 10, 2006). September 10, 2006:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a Qassam rocket at Israel. The rocket impacts in an open area near the Erez Crossing. ("Early Morning Kassam Rocket Attack," IsraelNationalNews, September 10, 2006). September 9, 2006:
- IDF forces kill a Palestinian terrorist and wound four others during an exchange of fire in Khan Yhounis (southern Gaza). One IDF soldier sustains light injuries. - Palestinians hurl a firebomb at an Israeli vehicle near the community of Karnei Shomron (Samaria/West Bank). - Palestinians hurl rocks at an Israeli bus on Highway 443 (near Modi'in), smashing its winshield. ("Round-Up of Sabbath Terror," IsraelNationalNews, September 9, 2006). September 8, 2006:
The Fatah terrorist group continues efforts to assemble rockets in the West Bank. The IDF recently discovered a Fatah explosives laboratory and two rockets in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. In addition, the military reported the arrest of two Fatah operatives (Tahar Amar and Hassan Ufi) and accused them of being responsible for the laboratory. An Israeli military source notes that the "Fatah people were financed by Hizbullah." Apparently, Hizbullah supplied funds and directions for rocket strikes against Israel. Fatah operatives attempted to launch at least one rocket. ("Fatah Continues To Assemble Rockets," Middle East Newsline, September 8, 2006). September 6, 2006:
Israeli defense officials express growing concern over a recent increase in the number of attempts to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip. They are particularly worried by the efforts of Palestinian terror groups, led by Hamas, to smuggle anti-tank missiles into Gaza. The Palestinians have long attempted to improve the quality of their anti-tank missiles. Shortly before Israel withdrew from Gaza, Palestinian terrorists succeeded in improving the quality of their missiles by smuggling modern rocket-propelled grenades to replace improvised weapons. Hamas is currently interested in obtaining Russian-made missiles stockpiled by the Syrian army. It should be noted that a number of the missiles were used by Hezbollah during the second Lebanon war. In addition, the Palestinians have determined that the IDF's armored divisions are vulnerable to anti-tank missiles developed in the Eastern bloc. (Amos Harel, "Militants Attempt to Smuggle Anti-Tank Missiles into Gaza," Ha'aretz, September 6, 2006). September 5, 2006:
Arrest of "Force 17"commander, involved in terror activity In a Border Police force operation today, September 5th 2006, at the Bir Zeit crossing, north of Ramallah, Mahmoud Awad Taufik Damra was arrested. Damra, the commander of "Force 17" in the area of the West Bank, was born in 1961 and is wanted by the Israeli authorities since the year 2000 for his involvement in terrorist activity. Damra was appointed Commander of "Force 17" in the area of Ramallah in 1996. Recently, he was appointed Commander of "Force 17" in the West Bank area. Mahmoud Damra initiated and directed terrorist activity against Israeli civilians and IDF forces in Ramallah and Beituniya, south of Ramallah. As part of his activity as Head of the Tanzim organization in the area of Ramallah, he planned and coordinated a shooting attack in the social security offices in Jerusalem in 2000, in which Esh Kodesh, an American-Israeli citizen, was murdered and a security guard, Itay Suissa, was injured. Mahmoud Damra is also responsible for the murder of the Kahana couple and the injuring of their three children, in a shooting attack near the Israeli community of Ofra on October 31st 2000. The attack was masterminded by Damra and was carried out by the infrastructure he headed. Damra planned and dispatched another shooting attack against an Israeli bus in Jerusalem (in the French Hill neighborhood) which took place on December 1st 2000. In the beginning of operation "Defensive Shield" Damra commanded over "Force 17" in the city of Ramallah, ordered numerous shooting attacks against IDF forces and also took part in the shooting of anti-tank missiles against an Israeli tank. During this time, Damra manufactured explosive devices, one of which was intended to be used against an IDF force operating in Ramallah. The attack was thwarted by Israeli security forces. In the past few years Damra stayed in facilities used by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, and even hid for a long period of time in the "Mukataa" headquarters in the city. ("Arrest of "Force 17" Commander, Involved in Terror Activity," BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Attributed to "Security Sources" [provided by the IDF Spokesperson's Office], September 5, 2006). September 5, 2006: IDF targets Hamas cell in the southern Gaza Strip In a joint IDF and ISA operation this evening, September 5th 2006, the IDF carried out an aerial attack against a vehicle carrying a Hamas terror cell in the southern Gaza Strip. The cell was en rout to carry out an attack against Israel. Secondary explosions, which followed the attack, indicated that there were explosives in the vehicle. The IDF will continue to act with determination against terrorist organizations and terror infrastructure in order to create the conditions for the safe return of Cpl. Gilad Shalit and to stop terror attacks and the launching of rockets towards Israel. ("IDF Targets Hamas Cell in the Southern Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 5, 2006). September 5, 2006:
A Palestinian terrorist stabs and moderately wounds a 61-year-old Israeli north of Jerusalem. ("Israeli Man Moderately Wounded in Stabbing North of Jerusalem," Associated Press, September 5, 2006). September 3, 2006: IDF targets weaponry storage facility in the Gaza Strip During the night, the IDF carried out an aerial attack in Al Atatra in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting a building used for the storage of weaponry. Prior to the attack on this terror facility, and in order to ensure the safety of civilians in the area, the IDF warned the population not to stay in structures that are used by terrorist organizations for storing weaponry. Terrorist organizations operate from within civilian population, while cynically exploiting uninvolved civilians and using them as human shields, exploiting their homes to store weaponry and launching rockets at Israeli towns from populated areas. The IDF will continue to act with determination against terrorist organizations and terror infrastructure in order to create the conditions for the return of Cpl. Gilad Shalit and to stop terror attacks and the launching of missiles towards Israel. ("IDF Targets Weaponry Storage Facility in the Gaza Strip," IDF Spokesperson's Office, September 3, 2006). September 2, 2006:
Two Tanzim operatives arrested in Tulkarm. The two were responsible for failed rocket launchings in the West Bank. In a joint IDF, ISA and Border Police operation yesterday in Tulkarm, forces arrested Tanzim operatives Hassan Ufi and Ta'er Amara, who headed a cell which operated in Tulkarm and which received funding and guidance from Hezbollah. The cell produced low-grade rockets and carried out a number of failed launches of the rockets. In the past months the Hezbollah terror organization has been focusing efforts to develop the terror infrastructure in the West Bank. Ufi and Amara's cell is an example of these efforts. The IDF will continue to use any means at its disposal against terror organizations in order maintain the safety of the citizens of Israel. ("Two Tanzim Operatives Arrested in Tulkarm," BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Attributed to "Security Sources" [provided by the IDF Spokesperson's Office], September 2, 2006). [Archive]
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