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Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Palestinian Rocket Attacks on Israel: History, Impact, and International Response

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Palestinian Rocket Attacks on Israel: History, Impact, and International Response Study Guide

Overview and International Perspectives

International bodies and human rights organizations primarily condemn Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel for exclusively targeting military installations.

Answer: False

Explanation: International bodies and human rights groups condemn these attacks because they are widely recognized for indiscriminately targeting civilians and civilian areas, not exclusively military installations, which constitutes a war crime under international law.

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon characterized Palestinian rocket attacks as 'appalling and unacceptable' violations of fundamental humanitarian law.

Answer: True

Explanation: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon indeed called Palestinian rocket attacks 'appalling and unacceptable,' stating that these indiscriminate weapons constituted violations of basic humanitarian law.

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Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem condemn Palestinian rocket attacks as war crimes, citing their deliberate targeting of civilians and inherent inaccuracy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Human rights groups like Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem condemn these attacks as war crimes, arguing that they often target civilians and that the inherent inaccuracy of the weapons disproportionately endangers civilians, violating international law.

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What is the overarching subject of the discourse on Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel?

Answer: The tens of thousands of rocket and mortar attacks launched by Palestinian militants on Israel from the Gaza Strip since 2001.

Explanation: The article primarily addresses the extensive series of rocket and mortar attacks, numbering in the tens of thousands, launched by Palestinian militant factions from the Gaza Strip into Israel since 2001.

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How do human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch characterize Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel?

Answer: As war crimes, emphasizing that indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets are illegal under international law.

Explanation: Human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch define these attacks as war crimes, stressing that indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets are illegal under international law, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions.

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How did UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon characterize Palestinian rocket attacks in January 2009?

Answer: As 'appalling and unacceptable' violations of basic humanitarian law.

Explanation: On January 18, 2009, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Hamas to stop firing rockets and later called the attacks 'appalling and unacceptable,' stating they constituted violations of basic humanitarian law.

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Historical Trajectory of Attacks

Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel commenced in 2005, subsequent to Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip.

Answer: False

Explanation: Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel began in 2001, predating Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005.

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The 1975 rocket attack on Jerusalem represented the inaugural instance of rocket fire targeting the city, preceding the more frequent attacks originating from the Gaza Strip.

Answer: True

Explanation: On May 3, 1975, two 107mm rockets struck Jerusalem's central area, marking an early instance of rocket fire targeting the city, which indeed predates the more frequent attacks from the Gaza Strip that began in the 2000s.

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The Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005 resulted in a substantial reduction in rocket attacks on southern Israel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, rocket attacks significantly increased, with almost all of the nearly 20,000 rockets hitting southern Israel by August 2014 launched afterward.

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During the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire in 2008, the frequency of rocket attacks on Israel experienced a significant increase.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire from June to December 2008, the number of rocket attacks on Israel significantly decreased, with only several dozen rockets fired.

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The Israel Security Agency reported an escalation in rocket and mortar launches from Gaza into Israel in 2010 compared to 2009.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Israel Security Agency's annual report indicated a decrease in both rocket and mortar launches in 2010 compared to 2009, with 150 rocket launches and 215 mortar launches in 2010 versus 569 rocket launches and 289 mortar launches in 2009.

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During US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel in March 2013, no rocket attacks were recorded, signifying a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: During President Obama's visit on March 21, 2013, Palestinians in Beit Hanoun fired four rockets at Sderot, contradicting the idea of a cessation of hostilities.

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Operation Protective Edge in 2014 entailed the launch of fewer than 1,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip.

Answer: False

Explanation: Operation Protective Edge, from July 8 to August 26, 2014, involved between 2,500 and 3,000 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, significantly more than 1,000.

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The surge in rocket attacks in December 2017 was primarily a reaction to new Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank.

Answer: False

Explanation: The wave of rocket attacks in December 2017 was attributed to Palestinian outrage over the United States government's decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, not primarily new settlement construction.

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On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated the Gaza War with a rocket barrage exceeding 5,000 missiles.

Answer: True

Explanation: On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an incursion into Israel, commencing with a rocket barrage of over 5,000 missiles, which indeed initiated the Gaza War.

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In what year did Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel commence?

Answer: 2001

Explanation: Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel began in 2001, following the outbreak of the Second Intifada.

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What historical significance is attributed to the 1975 rocket attack on Jerusalem?

Answer: It marked an early instance of rocket fire targeting the city, predating more frequent attacks from Gaza.

Explanation: The 1975 rocket attack on Jerusalem was significant as an early instance of rocket fire targeting the city, predating the more frequent attacks from the Gaza Strip that began in the 2000s.

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How did Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005 influence the trajectory of rocket attacks?

Answer: It resulted in a significant increase, with almost all of the nearly 20,000 rockets hitting southern Israel by August 2014 launched afterward.

Explanation: Following Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, rocket attacks significantly increased, with almost all of the nearly 20,000 rockets that hit southern Israel by August 2014 launched in the post-disengagement period.

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What was the outcome of the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in effect from June to December 2008?

Answer: The number of rocket attacks on Israel significantly decreased.

Explanation: During the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire from June to December 2008, the number of rocket attacks on Israel significantly decreased, with only several dozen rockets fired.

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According to the Israel Security Agency, what trend characterized rocket launches from Gaza into Israel in 2010 relative to 2009?

Answer: A decrease in both rocket and mortar launches.

Explanation: The Israel Security Agency's annual report indicated a decrease in both rocket and mortar launches in 2010 compared to 2009, with 150 rocket launches and 215 mortar launches in 2010 versus 569 rocket launches and 289 mortar launches in 2009.

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Describe the events that occurred during US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel on March 21, 2013.

Answer: Palestinians in Beit Hanoun fired four rockets at Sderot.

Explanation: During President Obama's visit on March 21, 2013, Palestinians in Beit Hanoun fired four rockets at Sderot, with one hitting a home's backyard and another landing in an open area.

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Quantify the number of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip during Operation Protective Edge in 2014.

Answer: Between 2,500 and 3,000

Explanation: During Operation Protective Edge in 2014, between 2,500 and 3,000 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip.

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What precipitating factor led to the wave of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip in December 2017?

Answer: The United States government's decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Explanation: The wave of rocket attacks in December 2017 was primarily attributed to Palestinian outrage over the United States government's decision to relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

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Rocket Technology and Operational Tactics

Initially, rockets launched from Gaza were characterized by their sophistication and long-range capabilities, enabling them to reach Haifa from the outset.

Answer: False

Explanation: Initially, rockets from Gaza, often called Qassams, were crude and short-range, primarily impacting areas near the Gaza Strip. Their range and sophistication evolved over time, with Haifa only being targeted for the first time by July 2014.

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The array of rockets deployed in attacks from the Gaza Strip has encompassed Qassam, Katyusha, and Fajr-5, among other types.

Answer: True

Explanation: The types of rockets used in attacks from the Gaza Strip include Mortar, Qassam, Al-Quds, Katyusha, Grad, and Fajr-5, ranging from homemade projectiles to more sophisticated imported models.

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The breach of the Gaza-Egypt border in January 2008 facilitated the smuggling of longer-range Russian and Iranian-made rockets into the Gaza Strip.

Answer: True

Explanation: The breach of the Gaza-Egypt border by Hamas in January 2008 indeed enabled the smuggling of Russian and Iranian-made rockets with a larger range, enhancing militants' ability to strike deeper into Israeli territory.

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Between October 2023 and January 2024, approximately 5% of rockets and mortar shells launched at Israel either failed to reach their targets or detonated prematurely.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between October 2023 and January 2024, more than 10,600 rockets and mortar shells were launched at Israel, with 10% of them failing to reach their intended targets or exploding prematurely, not 5%.

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Palestinian groups, such as the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, have utilized Google Earth to identify targets for rocket attacks.

Answer: True

Explanation: Khaled Jaabari, Gaza commander of the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, explicitly stated that his group uses Google Earth to determine targets for rocket attacks.

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Hamas and other armed groups face condemnation for launching rockets from densely populated civilian areas due to the inherent danger posed to Gazan civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Human rights groups condemn this tactic as a war crime because it inherently endangers Gazan civilians and civilian structures, violating international law's principles of distinction and proportionality.

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Which of the following Israeli cities was targeted by rockets from Gaza for the first time by July 2014, signaling a notable increase in projectile range and capability?

Answer: Haifa

Explanation: By July 2014, Haifa was targeted by rockets from Gaza for the first time, indicating a significant increase in the range and capability of the projectiles, which had evolved from crude, short-range rockets.

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Which of the following is NOT enumerated as a type of rocket employed in attacks originating from the Gaza Strip?

Answer: Stinger

Explanation: The types of rockets listed as used from the Gaza Strip include Mortar, Qassam, Al-Quds, Katyusha, Grad, and Fajr-5. Stinger is not among them.

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What significant advancement in Palestinian rocket capabilities ensued after the January 2008 breach of the Gaza-Egypt border?

Answer: The smuggling of Russian and Iranian-made rockets with a larger range into the Gaza Strip.

Explanation: The breach of the Gaza-Egypt border in January 2008 facilitated the smuggling of Russian and Iranian-made rockets with a larger range into the Gaza Strip, significantly enhancing militants' ability to strike deeper into Israeli territory.

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During the 2008-2009 Gaza War, what novel capability did Palestinian militant groups exhibit concerning rocket attacks?

Answer: The deployment of improved Qassam and factory-made rockets with a range of 40 kilometers, reaching major Israeli cities.

Explanation: During the 2008-2009 Gaza War, Palestinian militants deployed improved Qassam and factory-made rockets with a range of 40 kilometers, enabling them to reach major Israeli cities like Ashdod, Beersheba, and Gedera for the first time.

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What was the estimated failure rate for rockets and mortar shells launched at Israel between October 2023 and January 2024?

Answer: 10%

Explanation: Between October 2023 and January 2024, more than 10,600 rockets and mortar shells were launched at Israel, with 10% of them failing to reach their intended targets or exploding prematurely.

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What tactical method did Khaled Jaabari, Gaza commander of the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, indicate his group employs to determine targets for rocket attacks?

Answer: Google Earth.

Explanation: Khaled Jaabari, Gaza commander of the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, stated that his group uses Google Earth to determine targets for rocket attacks.

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For what reasons do human rights organizations condemn Hamas and other armed groups for launching rockets from within densely populated civilian areas?

Answer: Because it inherently endangers Gazan civilians and civilian structures, violating international law.

Explanation: Human rights groups condemn this tactic as a war crime because it inherently endangers Gazan civilians and civilian structures, violating international law's principles of distinction and proportionality.

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Humanitarian and Societal Impacts

Between 2004 and 2014, Palestinian rocket attacks caused the deaths of 27 Israeli civilians, 5 foreign nationals, and 5 IDF soldiers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Between 2004 and 2014, Palestinian rocket attacks resulted in the deaths of 27 Israeli civilians, 5 foreign nationals, and 5 IDF soldiers, alongside at least 11 Palestinians and over 1,900 injured individuals.

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Medical studies conducted in Sderot indicate a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incidence of nearly 50% among young children, attributable to persistent rocket threats.

Answer: True

Explanation: Medical studies in Sderot have indeed documented a PTSD incidence of nearly 50% among young children, alongside high rates of depression and miscarriage, underscoring the severe psychological impact of continuous rocket threats.

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Magen David Adom (MDA) and other Israeli emergency call lines have been subjected to denial-of-service attacks by Palestinians subsequent to rocket attacks.

Answer: True

Explanation: Magen David Adom (MDA) and other emergency call lines have indeed experienced denial-of-service attacks by Palestinians following rocket and mortar attacks, necessitating the development of filtering systems.

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According to B'Tselem, between June 2004 and July 2014, 26 Israeli civilians and 5 soldiers were killed by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire.

Answer: True

Explanation: B'Tselem reported that from June 2004 to July 23, 2014, 26 Israeli civilians (including four minors) and two foreign nationals were killed, along with five soldiers, by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire in Israel.

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Misfired Palestinian rockets have never resulted in casualties within the Gaza Strip itself.

Answer: False

Explanation: Misfired rockets have caused casualties within the Gaza Strip on several occasions, including incidents in 2005 and 2012, and the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion in 2023.

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Sderot mayor Eli Moyal resigned in December 2007, citing the government's success in halting rocket attacks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sderot mayor Eli Moyal announced his resignation in December 2007, citing the government's *failure* to stop rocket attacks, not its success.

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The online clock timer developed by Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik monitors the total number of rocket attacks but omits displaying the duration Israel has remained rocket-free.

Answer: False

Explanation: The online clock timer created by Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik displays both the total number of Palestinian rocket attacks and how long Israel has been rocket-free, resetting automatically with each new attack.

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Israeli blacksmith Yaron Bob repurposes spent Palestinian rockets into sculptures of doves, symbolizing peace.

Answer: False

Explanation: Israeli blacksmith Yaron Bob transforms spent Palestinian rockets into roses, not doves, symbolizing a transformation of destruction into beauty.

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What was the approximate incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young children in Sderot, attributed to rocket attacks?

Answer: Nearly 50%

Explanation: Medical studies conducted in Sderot have revealed a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incidence of nearly 50% among young children, highlighting the severe psychological toll of constant rocket threats.

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What operational challenge has Magen David Adom (MDA) encountered concerning emergency call lines during rocket attacks?

Answer: Denial-of-service attacks by Palestinians.

Explanation: Magen David Adom (MDA) and other emergency call lines have experienced denial-of-service attacks by Palestinians after rocket and mortar attacks, leading to the installation of filtering systems.

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According to B'Tselem, what was the total number of Israeli civilians killed by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire between June 2004 and July 2014?

Answer: 26

Explanation: B'Tselem reported that from June 2004 to July 23, 2014, 26 Israeli civilians (including four minors) and two foreign nationals were killed in Israel by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire.

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Which of the following represents an instance of a misfired Palestinian rocket causing casualties within the Gaza Strip?

Answer: A rocket aimed at an Israeli settlement killing two Palestinian and one Chinese worker in 2005.

Explanation: On June 8, 2005, rockets aimed at an Israeli settlement misfired and killed two Palestinian and one Chinese worker within the Gaza Strip, serving as a documented example of such casualties.

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What was the intended purpose of the online clock timer developed by Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik?

Answer: To display how long Israel has been rocket-free and the total number of Palestinian rocket attacks.

Explanation: The online clock timer created by Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik automatically resets with each attack and displays both the duration Israel has been rocket-free and the total number of Palestinian rocket attacks.

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Describe the artistic initiative undertaken by Israeli blacksmith Yaron Bob.

Answer: He transforms spent Palestinian rockets into roses.

Explanation: Israeli blacksmith Yaron Bob collects spent Palestinian rockets and transforms them into roses, symbolizing a transformation of destruction into beauty, with these creations presented to dignitaries.

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Defense Systems and Civilian Protection

The Iron Dome missile defense system achieved its inaugural successful deployment in 2011, intercepting a Grad missile near Ashkelon.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Iron Dome system was indeed first successfully deployed on April 7, 2011, when a battery near Ashkelon intercepted a Palestinian Grad missile, marking a historic first for short-range rocket interception.

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As of 2006, all public educational facilities in Israeli confrontation areas were legally mandated to be bomb-proof and capable of withstanding a direct impact from a Katyusha missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2006, public educational facilities in confrontation areas were indeed mandated to be bomb-proof, capable of sustaining a direct hit from a Katyusha missile, and equipped with options for chemical and biological purifying systems.

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The 'Red Color' alarm system provides residents of Sderot with approximately 60 seconds of warning prior to a rocket impact.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Red Color' alarm system provides Sderot residents with approximately 15 seconds of warning before a rocket impacts, not 60 seconds.

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The Iron Dome system's radar identifies a rocket launch, extrapolates its flight path, and directly initiates the firing of an interceptor missile without additional analytical processing.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the radar identifies a rocket launch and extrapolates its flight path, the data is transmitted to a control center, which then determines if the projected impact location justifies an interception before firing a missile.

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What pivotal development in Israeli defense capabilities transpired on April 7, 2011?

Answer: The deployment of the Iron Dome system and its first successful interception of a short-range rocket.

Explanation: On April 7, 2011, Israel deployed the Iron Dome missile defense system, and its Ashkelon battery achieved the first successful interception of a short-range rocket in history, neutralizing a Palestinian Grad missile.

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As of 2006, what mandated defensive measure was implemented for all public educational facilities in Israeli confrontation areas?

Answer: They must be bomb-proof and capable of sustaining a direct hit from a Katyusha missile.

Explanation: As of 2006, all public educational facilities in Israeli confrontation areas were mandated to be bomb-proof, capable of sustaining a direct hit from a Katyusha missile, and equipped with options for chemical and biological purifying systems.

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What is the approximate warning time provided by the 'Red Color' alarm system to residents in Sderot prior to a rocket impact?

Answer: Approximately 15 seconds

Explanation: The 'Red Color' alarm system provides residents in Sderot with approximately 15 seconds of warning before a rocket impacts.

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Which component of the Iron Dome system is tasked with identifying a rocket launch and extrapolating its flight path?

Answer: The radar.

Explanation: The radar component of the Iron Dome system is responsible for identifying a rocket launch, extrapolating its flight path, and transmitting this data to the control center.

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Political Discourse and Justifications

The Palestinian Authority has consistently endorsed rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, characterizing them as a legitimate form of resistance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Palestinian Authority has explicitly condemned rocket attacks, stating that they undermine efforts toward peace.

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Only Hamas and Islamic Jihad are recognized as the principal Palestinian armed groups responsible for rocket and mortar attacks against Israel.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Hamas and Islamic Jihad are prominent, other groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), Fatah, and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) also participate in rocket and mortar attacks.

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Hamas inaugurated a monument in Gaza City in March 2014, commemorating its rocket attacks on Israeli urban centers.

Answer: True

Explanation: In March 2014, Hamas unveiled a life-sized model of an M-75 rocket in Gaza City as a monument to its rocket attacks, stating that these attacks 'managed to take the battle to the heart of the Zionist entity (Israel).'

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Prior to the 2008-2009 Gaza War, polls indicated minimal support for rocket attacks among Palestinians, which subsequently escalated post-conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the 2008-2009 Gaza War, PCPSR polls consistently showed high support for rocket attacks (64% in March 2008), which then weakened after the war, with a majority opposing resumption in January 2010.

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Following the 2014 Gaza War, Khaled Mashal justified rocket attacks as an act of self-defense and asserted that precision-guided rockets would exclusively target military objectives.

Answer: True

Explanation: Khaled Mashal, Hamas political leader, justified rocket attacks as self-defense against Israeli aggression and blockade, and claimed that if Hamas had smart rockets, they would target only military objectives.

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Mahmoud Zahar asserted that the principal objective of rocket attacks was to secure a permanent ceasefire with Israel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas co-founder, stated that the goal of the attacks is to force mass migration in Israel and disrupt the daily lives of its citizens, not primarily to achieve a permanent ceasefire.

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The PFLP, in January 2009, characterized rockets as a 'representation of our resistance' and a constant reminder of Israeli occupation.

Answer: True

Explanation: A PFLP spokesperson in January 2009 described rockets as a 'representation of our resistance,' signifying that 'our cause is alive' and serving as a reminder of Israeli occupation and a rejection of solutions denying Palestinian rights.

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The Egyptian government responded with indifference to the 2010 rocket attacks originating from the Sinai Peninsula, given that they did not directly target Egyptian territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2010 rocket attacks on Eilat and Aqaba from the Sinai Peninsula sparked outrage in Egypt, particularly at Hamas and Iran, and were viewed as a challenge to Egypt's sovereignty, not met with indifference.

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In 2008, Barack Obama stated that he would not anticipate Israelis defending themselves if rockets were launched into their homes.

Answer: False

Explanation: In July 2008, Barack Obama stated that he would expect Israelis to do everything in their power to stop rockets sent into their homes, indicating support for self-defense.

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What primary justification do Palestinian militant groups provide for their rocket attacks?

Answer: As a response to Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Explanation: Palestinian militants frequently state that their rocket attacks are a direct response to Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, which restricts the movement of goods and people.

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According to the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, which Palestinian group was estimated to be responsible for the largest proportion of rockets launched in 2007?

Answer: Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Explanation: In 2007, the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center estimated that Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for 34% of rockets (Al Quds), the highest proportion among named groups.

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What was the stated objective of the monument unveiled by Hamas in Gaza City in March 2014?

Answer: To honor its rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns.

Explanation: Hamas unveiled a life-sized model of an M-75 rocket in Gaza City in March 2014 as a monument to its rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns, signifying their perceived success in reaching deeper into Israeli territory.

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According to PCPSR polls, how did Palestinian public opinion concerning rocket attacks evolve following the 2008-2009 Gaza War?

Answer: Support for rocket attacks weakened, with a majority opposing resumption in January 2010.

Explanation: PCPSR polls conducted after the 2008-2009 Gaza War indicated weaker support for rocket attacks, with a January 2010 survey showing 62.2% opposition to resuming attacks, a shift from prior high support.

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What objective did Mahmoud Zahar articulate as the primary goal of the rocket attacks?

Answer: To force mass migration in Israel and disrupt the daily lives of its citizens.

Explanation: Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas co-founder, stated that the goal of the attacks is to force mass migration in Israel and disrupt the daily lives of its citizens, also arguing for their effectiveness over suicide bombings.

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What declaration did then-Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama make in July 2008 concerning rocket attacks on Israel?

Answer: That he would expect Israelis to do everything in their power to stop rockets sent into their homes.

Explanation: In July 2008, Barack Obama stated, 'If somebody was sending rockets into my house, where my two daughters sleep at night, I'm going to do everything in my power to stop that, and I would expect Israelis to do the same thing,' highlighting his understanding of Israel's security concerns.

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West Bank Rocket Threat

The geographical distance of the West Bank from major Israeli population centers renders it an improbable launch point for substantial rocket threats.

Answer: False

Explanation: The West Bank is strategically sensitive because it abuts Jerusalem and lies within several kilometers of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and Ben Gurion International Airport, making it a highly likely and significant launch point for rocket threats.

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An early attempt to launch a Qassam rocket from the West Bank transpired in December 2005, with the projectile impacting near an Israeli border village.

Answer: True

Explanation: In December 2005, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades fired a Qassam rocket from Jenin, which landed within the West Bank near the Israeli border village of Ram-On, marking an early attempt.

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In February 2010, Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank apprehended a Hamas cell that was preparing to test-fire a Qassam rocket.

Answer: True

Explanation: In February 2010, Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank arrested a Hamas cell preparing to test-fire a Qassam rocket near Ramallah, subsequently handing the rocket over to Israel.

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What factors render the West Bank a strategically sensitive location regarding potential rocket attacks on Israel?

Answer: It abuts Jerusalem and lies within several kilometers of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and Ben Gurion International Airport.

Explanation: The West Bank's strategic sensitivity stems from its proximity to Jerusalem and its location within several kilometers of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and Ben Gurion International Airport, making it a potential launch point for significant threats to Israel's most densely populated regions.

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What action did Palestinian Authority security forces undertake in February 2010 concerning a Hamas cell in the West Bank?

Answer: They arrested a Hamas cell that was preparing to test-fire a Qassam rocket and handed it over to Israel.

Explanation: In February 2010, Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank arrested a Hamas cell that was preparing to test-fire a Qassam rocket near Ramallah and subsequently handed the rocket over to Israel.

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