“Hamas is Responsible for Rocket Attacks against Israel”

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

15 August 2010 , 16:18

The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center has issued a report showing Hamas operatives with Iranian weapons to be responsible for rocket attacks against Israel and Jordan

A report released on Sunday (Aug. 15) by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, based on reports by Egyptian and Palestinian sources, shows Hamas to be responsible for the two incidents of rocket attacks fired at Israel from the Sinai Desert this year. A terrorist cell of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the militant wing of the Hamas terrorist organization, has been proven responsible in both instances.
On August 2, 2010, six 122mm rockets were fired from the Sinai Desert towards Israel. Three of the rockets fell inside Eilat, one of which fell inside a drainage pool located in the northern section of the city. No injuries were reported. Two additional rockets fell in the city of Aqaba at the Intercontinental Hotel there. A Jordanian civilian was killed and five were injured. The sixth rocket fell in the sea.

Earlier this year, on April 22, 2010, three 122mm grad rockets were fired from the Sinai Desert toward Eilat and Aqaba. One rocket was identified falling in the sea south of Eilat and another was found in Jordanian territory in Aqaba. Two days later, scuba divers discovered the third grad rocket approximately 70 meters south of the Eilat shores, at a depth of about 30 meters.

In both instances, Hamas operatives used rockets from Iran. These rockets were smuggled into the Gaza Strip mainly through smuggling tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center report quotes Egyptian press blaming Iran for using Hamas operatives and additional subcontractors who smuggle in return for payment by Iran.

Behind the attacks: A strong desire to disrupt direct peace talks

The report by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center claims that the reason for these rocket attacks being carried out in places such as the Sinai Desert is a desire by Hamas’ militant wing to broaden terrorist activities to areas outside of the Gaza Strip and the Judea and Samaria region. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas has been practicing restraint with regards to carrying out terrorist attacks, because of strong Israeli deterrence measures and because of Hamas’ own political considerations. In the Judea and Samaria region, this restraint by Hamas is seen as a result of successful thwarting and prevention actions taken by Israel and the security forces of the Palestinian Authority.

An additional reason for these rocket attacks is the desire by Hamas to disrupt the peace process in general, and the direct talks in particular. As a reminder, Khaled Mashal, the Chairman of Hamas’ Political Bureau was recently quoted discussing the importance of Jihad and armed struggle against the legitimization of the existence of Israel and the negotiations taking place with Israel.
source:http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/08/1501.htm