Overview: This past week clashes continued in the western Negev. Two rocket and six mortar shell hits hit Israeli territory. In response, the Israeli Air Force attacked Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip. In addition, an IDF force killed two Palestinian terrorist operatives who were placing IEDs near the security fence.

American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that both Israel and the Palestinians wanted the Americans to continue their efforts. She called on Israel and the Palestinians to deal with the core issues of the conflict. The Israeli prime minister met with the American envoy to the Middle East and stressed that the goal was to achieve "a framework agreement for peace that [would] ensure both peace and security." Spokesmen for the Palestinian Authority expressed disappointment with Clinton´s announcement and a lack of faith in the Americans´ ability to exert pressure on Israel to advance the peace process.

Important Terrorism Events Gaza Strip

Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire

On December 8 two rocket hits were identified in Israeli territory. There were no casualties and no damage was done. In addition, six mortar shells were fired into Israeli territory, two on December 7 and four on December 8. They fell in the western Negev. In the December 8 attack an Israeli civilian sustained minor injuries. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the December 7 mortar fire (Jerusalem Battalions website, December 7, 2010).

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