What is the primary subject of the article 'Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel'?

The article focuses on the tens of thousands of rocket and mortar attacks launched by Palestinian militants on Israel from the Gaza Strip since 2001, as part of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These attacks are widely condemned for targeting civilians and are considered terrorism by international bodies and war crimes by human rights groups.

How have international bodies and human rights groups characterized Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel?

The United Nations, the European Union, and Israeli officials have described these attacks as terrorism. Additionally, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch define them as war crimes, emphasizing that indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets are illegal under international law, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions.

What justifications do Palestinian militants offer for their rocket attacks?

Palestinian militants state that their rocket attacks are a response to Israel's blockade of Gaza. This blockade is a measure imposed by Israel and Egypt on the Gaza Strip, restricting the movement of goods and people.

What is the Palestinian Authority's stance on rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip?

The Palestinian Authority has condemned the rocket attacks, asserting that they undermine efforts towards peace. The Palestinian Authority is the interim self-government body that exercises partial civil control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

What were the human casualties and injuries caused by Palestinian rocket attacks between 2004 and 2014?

From 2004 to 2014, these attacks resulted in the deaths of 27 Israeli civilians, 5 foreign nationals, 5 IDF soldiers, and at least 11 Palestinians. Over 1,900 people were also injured during this period.

What psychological impacts have been documented among children in Sderot due to rocket attacks?

Medical studies conducted in Sderot, an Israeli city close to the Gaza Strip, have revealed a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incidence of nearly 50% among young children. High rates of depression and miscarriage have also been documented in the city, highlighting the severe psychological toll of constant rocket threats.

How has the range and sophistication of rockets launched from Gaza evolved over time?

Initially, rockets, often generically called Qassams, were crude and short-range, primarily impacting Sderot and communities near the Gaza Strip. By 2006, more sophisticated rockets, such as Katyushas, began reaching Ashkelon, and by early 2009, major cities like Ashdod and Beersheba were hit by Grad rockets. In 2012, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were targeted with locally made 'M-75' and Iranian Fajr-5 rockets, and by July 2014, Haifa was targeted for the first time, indicating a significant increase in range and capability.

What types of rockets have been used in attacks from the Gaza Strip?

The types of rockets used include Mortar, Qassam, Al-Quds, Katyusha, Grad, and Fajr-5. These range from homemade projectiles to more sophisticated, imported models.

Which cities in Israel have been affected by Palestinian rocket attacks?

Cities affected by these attacks include Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba, Eilat, Gedera, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malakhi, Netivot, Sderot, Ofakim, Yavne, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. This demonstrates the expanding reach of the projectiles over time.

Which Palestinian armed groups are primarily responsible for rocket and mortar attacks on Israel?

All Palestinian armed groups participate in rocket and mortar attacks, but the main groups identified are Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), Fatah, and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). These groups represent a spectrum of Palestinian political and militant factions.

What was the estimated proportion of rockets fired by different Palestinian groups in 2007, according to the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center?

In 2007, the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center estimated that Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for 34% of rockets (Al Quds), Hamas for 22% (Qassam), Fatah for 8% (Kafah), and the Popular Resistance Committees for 6% (al Nasser). A significant 30% of launches were attributed to unknown groups.

What was the significance of the 1975 rocket attack on Jerusalem?

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

How did the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005 impact rocket attacks?

After Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, almost all of the nearly 20,000 rockets that hit southern Israel by August 2014 were launched. This indicates a significant increase in attacks following the disengagement.

What notable events occurred in 2006 regarding rocket attacks and Israeli responses?

In 2006, the first Katyusha rocket from Gaza was fired at Israel, landing near Ashkelon. Later, a rocket hit the center of Ashkelon for the first time. Following the assassination of Jamal Abu Samhadana, a Hamas leader, and civilian deaths on a Gaza beach, Hamas resumed rocket attacks, leading to a series of mutual attacks and reprisals, including the abduction of IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit and Operation Summer Rains.

What was the impact of the 2008 breach of the Gaza-Egypt border on Palestinian rocket capabilities?

The breach of the Gaza-Egypt border by Hamas in January 2008 enabled the smuggling of Russian and Iranian-made rockets with a larger range into the Gaza Strip. This significantly enhanced the militants' ability to strike deeper into Israeli territory.

What was the effect of the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in 2008?

During the Egyptian-mediated ceasefire from June 19 to December 19, 2008, the number of rocket attacks on Israel significantly decreased, with only several dozen rockets fired. Hamas also reportedly imprisoned some individuals responsible for firing rockets during this period.

How did the Gaza War (2008-2009) affect the types and reach of rockets used by Palestinian militants?

During the 2008-2009 Gaza War, Palestinian militants began deploying improved Qassam and factory-made rockets with a range of 40 kilometers. This allowed rockets to reach major Israeli cities like Ashdod, Beersheba, and Gedera for the first time, placing one-eighth of Israel's population within rocket range.

What was the trend in rocket and mortar launches from Gaza into Israel in 2010, according to the Israel Security Agency?

The Israel Security Agency's annual report indicated a decrease in attacks in 2010 compared to 2009, with 150 rocket launches and 215 mortar launches. In 2009, there were 569 rocket launches and 289 mortar launches.

What significant development in Israeli defense occurred in 2011 regarding rocket attacks?

In 2011, Israel first deployed the Iron Dome missile defense system to protect Beersheba and Ashkelon. On April 7, the Ashkelon battery successfully intercepted a Palestinian Grad missile, marking the first successful interception of a short-range rocket in history. The Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells.

What happened during US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel in March 2013 concerning rocket attacks?

During President Obama's visit on March 21, 2013, Palestinians in Beit Hanoun fired four rockets at Sderot. One rocket hit a home's backyard, causing damage, while another landed in an open area. The Mujahedeen Shura Council claimed responsibility for this attack.

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

In March 2014, Hamas unveiled a life-sized model of an M-75 rocket in Gaza City as a monument to its rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns. The group stated that these attacks 'managed to take the battle to the heart of the Zionist entity (Israel),' signifying their perceived success in reaching deeper into Israeli territory.

What was the scale of rocket launches during Operation Protective Edge in 2014?

Operation Protective Edge, which commenced on July 8, 2014, and ended on August 26, saw between 2,500 and 3,000 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip. This operation was initiated by Israel in response to the ongoing rocket fire.

What was the number of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel in 2015 and 2016?

According to the IDF, there were 23 Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel in 2015 and 15 attacks in 2016. These figures indicate a fluctuating but persistent threat.

What prompted the wave of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip in December 2017?

The wave of rocket attacks in December 2017, which accounted for the vast majority of the 35 rockets and mortars launched that year, was attributed to Palestinian outrage over the United States government's decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. This decision was seen by many Palestinians as a provocative act.

What significant event involving rocket attacks occurred on October 7, 2023?

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an incursion into Israel, beginning with a rocket barrage of over 5,000 missiles targeting Israeli locations. This extensive attack, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, initiated the Gaza War. It was later revealed that the attacks included a strike on Sdot Micha Airbase, a site believed to house nuclear-capable missiles.

How many rockets and mortar shells were launched at Israel between October 2023 and January 2024, and what was the failure rate?

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. This high volume of projectiles highlights the intensity of the conflict during this period.

What tactical method do Palestinian groups use to determine targets for rocket attacks?

Khaled Jaabari, Gaza commander of the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades, stated that his group uses Google Earth to determine targets. Google Earth is a virtual globe program that allows users to view satellite imagery of Earth.

What tactic do Hamas and other armed groups employ when launching rockets from populated areas, and why is it condemned?

Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups frequently launch rockets from within densely populated civilian areas, sometimes covering alleys with sheets to conceal setup. This tactic is condemned by Human Rights Watch as a war crime because it inherently endangers Gazan civilians and civilian structures, violating international law's principles of distinction and proportionality. Militants are said to choose urban areas knowing that the Israel Defense Forces often refrain from intercepting them to avoid civilian casualties, which also serves the militants' narrative of Israel committing war crimes.

What issue has Magen David Adom faced regarding emergency call lines during rocket attacks?

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, and other emergency call lines have experienced denial-of-service attacks by Palestinians after rocket and mortar attacks. This led to the development and installation of a filtering system in MDA and other emergency call systems to manage these malicious calls.

What defensive measures has Israel implemented for public educational and medical facilities in confrontation areas?

As of 2006, all public educational facilities in confrontation areas are mandated to be bomb-proof, capable of sustaining a direct hit from a Katyusha missile, and must have the option to connect to chemical and biological purifying systems. Kindergartens and special care education systems must have a central air purifying system. All medical or treatment facilities must include a gas-proof shelter with connections to purifying systems, and long-term treatment facilities must be built as bomb shelters designed to sustain four hours of isolation.

What is the 'Red Color' alarm system, and how much warning time does it provide in Sderot?

The 'Red Color' (Tzeva Adom) is an Israeli alarm system designed to warn citizens of impending rocket attacks. When a rocket launch from Gaza is detected, the system automatically activates a public broadcast warning with a two-tone audio alert followed by a recorded female voice announcing 'Red Color.' In Sderot, this system provides residents with approximately 15 seconds of warning before a rocket impacts.

What is the 'Iron Dome' system, and when was it first successfully deployed?

Iron Dome is a mobile defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, designed to intercept short-range rockets with a range of less than 70 km. It was first successfully deployed on April 7, 2011, when a battery near Ashkelon intercepted a Grad rocket launched from Gaza, marking the first successful interception of a short-range rocket in history.

What are the components of the Iron Dome system and how does it operate?

The Iron Dome system consists of a radar, a control center, and interceptor missiles named Tamir. The radar identifies a rocket launch, extrapolates its flight path, and transmits this data to the control center. The control center then determines if the projected impact location justifies an interception, and if so, fires an interceptor missile. The Tamir missile is equipped with electro-optic sensors and steering fins for high maneuverability.

What are some documented instances of misfired Palestinian rockets causing casualties within the Gaza Strip?

Misfired rockets have caused casualties within the Gaza Strip on several occasions. For example, on June 8, 2005, rockets aimed at an Israeli settlement killed two Palestinian and one Chinese worker. On August 2, 2005, a misfired Islamic Jihad rocket killed a 6-year-old boy and his father in Beit Hanoun. In November 2012, a UN investigation attributed the deaths of three relatives of a BBC journalist, including an infant, to a misfired rocket from Gaza. In October 2023, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion was attributed to a misfired Islamic Jihad rocket after independent evidence became available.

How did public opinion among Palestinians regarding rocket attacks change before and after the 2008-2009 Gaza War?

Prior to the 2008-2009 Gaza War, polls by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) consistently showed high support for rocket attacks, with 64% supporting them in March 2008. However, polls conducted after the war indicated weaker support, with a January 2010 poll showing 62.2% opposition to resuming attacks, though support fluctuated in subsequent years.

What was Hamas's justification for rocket attacks, as stated by Khaled Mashal after the 2014 Gaza War?

After the 2014 Gaza War, Hamas political leader Khaled Mashal justified rocket attacks as an act of self-defense in response to Israel's aggression and blockade of Gaza. He also claimed that if Hamas possessed smart and highly accurate rockets, they would only target military objectives.

What was Mahmoud Zahar's stated goal for the rocket attacks?

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. He also argued that rocket attacks are more effective than suicide bombings and help limit Palestinian losses.

How did the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) view rocket attacks in January 2009?

A PFLP spokesperson in January 2009 described rockets as a 'representation of our resistance,' emphasizing that their continued launch signified that 'our cause is alive.' The PFLP viewed them as a constant reminder of the Israeli occupation and a rejection of solutions that deny Palestinian rights.

What was the reaction of Sderot mayor Eli Moyal to the rocket attacks in December 2007?

On December 12, 2007, after over 20 rockets landed in the Sderot area in a single day, including a direct hit on a main avenue, Sderot mayor Eli Moyal announced his resignation. He cited the government's failure to stop the rocket attacks as his reason, though he was later persuaded to retract it.

What was the Egyptian government's reaction to Hamas's rocket attacks from the Sinai Peninsula in 2010?

The 2010 rocket attacks on Eilat and Aqaba from the Sinai Peninsula sparked outrage in Egypt, particularly at Hamas and Iran. The Egyptian press viewed these attacks as a challenge to Egypt's sovereignty and accused Iran of using proxies like Hamas to escalate violence and sabotage peace efforts in the Middle East.

How did United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describe Palestinian rocket attacks?

On January 18, 2009, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Hamas to stop firing rockets 'for the sake of the people of Gaza.' He later called the attacks 'appalling and unacceptable,' stating that these indiscriminate weapons constituted violations of basic humanitarian law. He also condemned a rocket attack launched from a UN-run Gaza school in November 2007.

What was Barack Obama's statement regarding rocket attacks on Israel in July 2008?

In July 2008, then-Democratic presidential candidate 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.' This statement highlighted his understanding of Israel's security concerns.

What is the stance of human rights groups like Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem on Palestinian rocket attacks?

Human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem condemn the attacks as war crimes. They argue that the attacks often target civilians and that the inherent inaccuracy of the weapons disproportionately endangers civilians, even if military targets were intended. They also criticize the practice of firing from populated areas, which puts Gazan civilians at unnecessary risk and violates international law.

What is the significance of the West Bank's proximity to major Israeli population centers concerning potential rocket attacks?

The West Bank abuts Jerusalem and lies within several kilometers of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and Ben Gurion International Airport, making it a strategically sensitive location. Any successful rocket attacks from this area could easily strike Israel's most densely populated regions, posing a significant threat.

What was an early attempt by Palestinian groups to fire rockets from the West Bank?

In December 2005, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades fired a Qassam rocket from the West Bank city of Jenin. Although it landed within the West Bank near the Israeli border village of Ram-On, it marked the first attempt to launch a Qassam from the West Bank and came close to hitting a Jewish community.

What did a Fatah cell named Jondallah threaten in November 2006?

In November 2006, a West Bank Fatah cell called Jondallah (God's soldiers) held a news conference in Nablus, where 20 masked militants displayed four rockets and threatened to fire them at Israeli targets. They claimed one projectile had a range of five kilometers and a three-kilogram payload, stating they would use them 'when the time is right.'

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

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. The rocket was subsequently handed over to Israel, demonstrating an effort to prevent such attacks. Hamas later stated that 'Having a Qassam rocket in the West Bank is a demand that must be achieved.'

What happened during the 2010 rocket attacks on Eilat and Aqaba from the Sinai Peninsula?

In 2010, Hamas launched two rocket attacks from the Sinai Peninsula. On April 22, three Grad rockets were fired at Eilat, landing in the Red Sea and Aqaba, Jordan, causing property damage. On August 2, six or seven Iranian-made Grad rockets were again fired at Eilat, with one landing in Aqaba, killing a Jordanian civilian and wounding several. These attacks severely strained relations between Hamas and Egypt.

What is the purpose of the online clock timer created by Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik?

Aaron Friedman and Yehonatan Tsirolnik created an online clock timer that automatically resets whenever Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel occur. The website displays how long Israel has been rocket-free and shows the total number of Palestinian rocket attacks, using information from the IDF Home Front Command system. Friedman noted in 2014 that the counter 'never really gets above an hour,' highlighting the constant threat.

Palestinian Rocket Attacks On Israel Wiki: Echoes of Conflict: An Analytical Examination of Rocket Attacks on Israel

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Overview

A Persistent Challenge

Since 2001, Palestinian militant factions have launched tens of thousands of rockets and mortar shells from the Gaza Strip into Israel, a significant component of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict.^[1]^[2]^[3] These attacks, primarily targeting civilian areas, have been widely condemned as acts of terrorism by international bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union, and are classified as war crimes by human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.^[5]^[6]

International Legal Context

Indiscriminate attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure are explicitly prohibited under international law, including the Geneva Conventions.^[5]^[6] While Palestinian militants often assert these rocket attacks are a response to Israel's blockade of Gaza,^[7]^[8]^[9] the Palestinian Authority has consistently denounced them, arguing that such actions undermine prospects for peace.^[10]

Evolution of Projectiles

Initially, the projectiles, often referred to generically as Qassams, were rudimentary and possessed a limited range, primarily impacting Israeli communities immediately adjacent to the Gaza Strip, such as Sderot. Over time, however, more advanced weaponry has been deployed. By 2006, rockets could reach the larger coastal city of Ashkelon, and by early 2009, major urban centers like Ashdod and Beersheba were struck by Katyusha and Grad rockets.^[19]^[20] By 2012, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were targeted with locally manufactured "M-75" and Iranian Fajr-5 rockets, respectively,^[21] and in July 2014, the northern city of Haifa experienced its first rocket attack.^[22]

History

A Chronology of Attacks

The history of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel is marked by periods of varying intensity and the continuous evolution of capabilities. From the outbreak of the Second Intifada in September 2000 through March 2013, a total of 8,749 rockets and 5,047 mortar shells were launched into Israel.^[34] This timeline highlights key developments and significant events.

1975: Two 107mm rockets struck Jerusalem's central area, marking an early instance of such attacks.^[49]
2001-2006: Rocket fire primarily targeted Sderot. The first Katyusha rocket from Gaza landed near Ashkelon in March 2006, followed by the first direct hit on Ashkelon's center in July 2006.^[51]^[53] This period also saw threats of chemical warfare from the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades.^[56]
2007: A Katyusha rocket struck Ashkelon in January, and a Grad-type Katyusha hit Netivot in October, indicating an increase in range.^[71]^[72]
2008-2009: The Gaza-Egypt border breach in January 2008 facilitated the smuggling of Russian and Iranian-made rockets, significantly increasing their range. Attacks intensified, with a Grad rocket hitting the Barzilai Medical Center grounds in Ashkelon.^[73] Reports of white phosphorus shells emerged in January 2009.^[78] A six-month ceasefire in 2008 saw a marked decrease in attacks, but the 2008–2009 Gaza War brought improved Qassam and factory-made rockets, reaching Ashdod, Beersheba, and Gedera.^[83]
2010: A decrease in overall attacks was noted, but Iran successfully smuggled 1,000 mortar shells and hundreds of short-range rockets into Gaza. Hamas also fired rockets from the Sinai at Eilat, with some overshooting into Aqaba, Jordan.^[92]
2011: A total of 680 rockets, mortars, and Grad missiles were fired. Israel intercepted a ship carrying Iranian missiles and deployed the Iron Dome system, which achieved its first successful interception of a Grad missile in April.^[101]^[33]
2012: Over 360 rocket and mortar attacks occurred by April, including reports of white phosphorus in mortars.^[105] Islamic Jihad released video footage of a vehicle-mounted multi-barrel rocket launcher.^[107]
2013: During a US presidential visit, four rockets were fired at Sderot. The Mujahideen Shura Council claimed responsibility for several attacks, prompting Israeli airstrikes and international condemnation.^[109]^[112]
2014: The Israeli Navy intercepted a ship smuggling long-range rockets from Iran. Hamas unveiled a monument to its M-75 rocket in Gaza City. Operation Protective Edge saw between 2,500 and 3,000 rockets launched.^[124]^[126]
2015-2017: Annual attacks ranged from 15 to 35, with a surge in December 2017 following Palestinian outrage over the US embassy move to Jerusalem.^[128]^[132]
2018: Hundreds of rockets were fired during November clashes, resulting in civilian fatalities and widespread disruption. The Iron Dome intercepted approximately 100 rockets.^[134]
2021: A barrage of 36 rockets was fired in April, followed by 7 rockets targeting Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh in May, claimed by Hamas in response to clashes at al-Aqsa mosque.^[137]^[138]
2023: April saw multiple rocket salvoes from Lebanon and Syria. On October 7, Hamas launched over 5,000 missiles, initiating the Gaza War, including a strike on Sdot Micha Airbase, believed to house nuclear-capable missiles.^[143]^[146] Between October 2023 and January 2024, over 10,600 rockets and mortar shells were launched, with 10% failing.^[147]

Groups

Militant Organizations

Rocket and mortar attacks on Israel are carried out by various Palestinian armed groups, each contributing with varying frequency.^[28] The primary factions involved include:

Hamas: The de facto governing authority in the Gaza Strip since June 2007.^[43]
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): A significant contributor, often responsible for a large proportion of attacks.^[39]
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP): Another prominent group involved in launching projectiles.^[40]
Popular Resistance Committees (PRC): Known for their involvement in various militant activities.^[41]
Fatah: While holding the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, elements within Fatah have also participated in rocket attacks.^[42]
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP): Also among the groups conducting attacks.^[28]

Proportional Involvement (2007 Estimate)

According to an estimate by the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center in 2007, the proportions of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip by various groups were:^[47]

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Al Quds rockets): 34%
Hamas (Qassam rockets): 22%
Fatah (Kafah rockets): 8%
Popular Resistance Committees (al Nasser rockets): 6%
Unknown: 30%

Concerns Regarding Prevention

A 2007 report by Human Rights Watch indicated "little evidence that Palestinian security forces were making efforts to prevent rocket attacks or to hold responsible the militants who launch them." In some instances, Palestinian security officials reportedly acknowledged their inaction in stopping these attacks.^[46] Furthermore, groups like Islamic Jihad have been documented involving children in activities such as summer camps where they were taught to handle Qassam rocket launchers.^[44]

Tactics

Launching from Populated Areas

Palestinian militant groups frequently employ tactics that involve launching projectiles from densely populated civilian areas. This strategy is often executed by setting up rockets between homes and covering alleys with sheets to conceal operations, allowing for rapid deployment and evasion.^[151] Videos released by Hamas have shown Qassam rockets being fired from residential zones and even mosques.^[152]

Targeting and Timing

Militants have utilized tools such as Google Earth to identify and determine targets.^[148] Rocket fire is occasionally timed for the early morning hours, coinciding with children's commutes to school.^[149]^[150] This deliberate choice to fire from urban areas is understood by terror cells to complicate Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) interception efforts, as the IDF often refrains from striking to avoid civilian casualties. The resulting civilian deaths in Gaza are then leveraged by militants to accuse Israel of war crimes.^[152]

Denial of Service Attacks

Beyond direct projectile attacks, there have been reports in the Israeli press of denial-of-service attacks targeting emergency call lines, such as those of Magen David Adom (Israel's national emergency medical service), following rocket and mortar strikes. This tactic aims to disrupt critical emergency response capabilities. In response, filtering systems have been developed and installed in emergency call systems to mitigate these attacks.^[154]

Defense

Fortifications & Shelters

Israel has implemented extensive civil defense measures to protect its population. These include:

Public Facilities: Since 2006, all public educational facilities in confrontation zones are mandated to be bomb-proof and equipped with chemical and biological air purifying systems. Kindergartens and special care systems require central air purification.^[156]
Medical Facilities: All medical and treatment centers must have gas-proof shelters with purifying systems, capable of sustaining four hours of isolation.^[158]
Residential Buildings: Homes built after 1990 are typically equipped with a "Merkhav Mugan" (protected space). Older buildings rely on public bomb shelters, with many Sderot families sleeping in a single fortified room.^[160]
Public Spaces: In March 2008, 120 fortified bus stops were installed in Sderot to protect against shrapnel. Schools in Sderot have been fortified with arched canopies over roofs.^[163]

Red Color Alarm System

The "Red Color" (Tzeva Adom) alarm system is a crucial early warning mechanism. When a rocket launch is detected from Gaza, the system automatically activates public broadcast warnings in nearby Israeli communities and military bases. This alert provides residents in places like Sderot with approximately 15 seconds of warning to seek cover before impact.^[173] The system was progressively installed in cities like Ashkelon between 2005 and 2006.

Iron Dome

The Iron Dome is a mobile air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, specifically designed to intercept short-range rockets with a range of less than 70 km.^[174] Selected as Israel's defense system in 2007, it became operational in 2011 and achieved its first successful interception of a Grad rocket in April of that year.^[33] The system comprises a radar, a control center, and Tamir interceptor missiles. The radar identifies launches, extrapolates flight paths, and the control center determines if an interception is warranted, then fires a missile.^[178]

Effects

Casualties & Injuries

The human cost of these attacks has been significant. From June 2004 to July 2014, 26 Israeli civilians (including four minors) and two foreign nationals were killed by Palestinian rocket and mortar fire. Additionally, five soldiers were killed. Another Israeli civilian and three foreign nationals died from rocket fire on settlements in the Gaza Strip before their evacuation.^[179] Most fatalities have been civilians, including young children, with over 1,700 individuals injured, many seriously.^[28]^[183]

Psychological Impact: Medical studies in Sderot have revealed a nearly 50% incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young children, alongside high rates of depression and miscarriage, underscoring the profound psychological toll on affected communities.^[13]

Misfired Rockets

A tragic consequence of these attacks is the harm caused by misfired rockets within the Gaza Strip itself, resulting in Palestinian casualties and injuries. Due to information restrictions and a lack of free press, precise figures are challenging to ascertain. Documented incidents include:

In June 2005, two Palestinian workers and one Chinese worker were killed in Ganei Tal by rockets aimed at an Israeli settlement.^[46]
In August 2005, a 6-year-old boy and his father were killed in Beit Hanoun by an apparently misfired Islamic Jihad rocket.^[46]
In November 2012, relatives of a BBC journalist, including his infant son, were killed by a rocket later attributed by the UN to a misfire from Gaza.^[185]
In July 2014, Hamas rockets exploded inside Gaza, killing seven and damaging the Al-Shati refugee camp and Al-Shifa Hospital.^[187]
In May 2019, Islamic Jihad admitted a misfired rocket killed a Palestinian child.^[188]
In October 2023, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion, initially attributed to an Israeli airstrike, was later attributed to a misfired Islamic Jihad rocket after independent evidence emerged.^[192]

Annual Statistics (2001-2011)

The following table, based on data from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides a statistical overview of rocket and mortar attacks and their immediate consequences. It is important to note that precise counts can vary, and these figures represent a specific compilation.^[183]^[193]

Year	Dead	Injured	Rocket attacks	Mortar attacks	Total attacks	Total attacks % change
2001	0		4		4+
2002	0		35		35+	⬆️ 775%
2003	0		155		155+	⬆️ 343%
2004	4		281		281+	⬆️ 81%
2005	2		401	854	1,255	⬆️ 346%
2006	2	371	1,722	55	1,777	⬆️ 42%
2007	2	578	1,276	1,531	2,807	⬆️ 58%
2008	8	611	2,048	1,668	3,716	⬆️ 32%
Israeli and Egyptian blockade of Gaza after Operation Cast Lead to stop missile fire into Israel^[198] and arms import into Gaza.^[199]
2009	0	11	569	289	858	⬇️ 77%
2010	1	35	150	215	365	⬇️ 57%
2011	2	81	419	261	680^[201]	⬆️ 86%

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References

Abbas urges end to rocket attacks , BBC News 25 May 2007

Q&A: Gaza conflict , BBC News 18 January 2009

Hamas Adopting Rocket Tactics Used by Hezbollah, FOX News 31 December 2008

Katyusha rocket 'fired from Gaza' , BBC News 28 March 2006

Israel tanks enter northern Gaza , BBC News 6 July 2006

Summer Rains Retrieved 7 Novamber 2023

Gaza militants fire 2 rockets at Israel as Obama visits region, CBC 21 March 2013

Israel says it will not let Gaza rockets continue after new attacks, FOX News 3 April 2013

Heather Sharp, Rocket attacks plague Israeli towns , BBC News 28 December 2009

Heather Sharp, Sderot children feel truce relief , BBC News 1 September 2008

Shmulik Hadad, Experts: Grads in Ashkelon were advanced, Ynet 3 January 2009

Martin Patience, Playing cat and mouse with Gaza rockets , BBC News 28 February 2008

Aron Heller, "School resumes in Israel despite rocket threat", Associated Press, 11 January 2009

PM Olmert's Remarks on the Operation in the Gaza Strip, Jewish Policy Center

"Two rockets land in Eilat area," 22 April 2010, Jerusalem Post.

'Rocket barrage hits Kiryat Shmona, Israel', Bryan Times 23 September 1977, p. 1

'Israeli Aircraft Bomb Lebanon', Michigan Daily 10 November 1977, p. 2

'Palestinians rocket Israel', Spokane Daily Chronicle 11 April 1979, p. 39

A full list of references for this article are available at the Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel Wikipedia page

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This is not political or conflict resolution advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for in-depth geopolitical analysis, expert consultation on international relations, or professional advice regarding conflict resolution. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict require nuanced understanding and should not be oversimplified. Always refer to reputable academic sources, official reports, and expert analyses for comprehensive insights. Never disregard professional or expert advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Echoes of Conflict

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🎯 A Persistent Challenge

⚖️ International Legal Context

📈 Evolution of Projectiles

History 📜

🕰️ A Chronology of Attacks

Groups 👥

🤝 Militant Organizations

📊 Proportional Involvement (2007 Estimate)

⚠️ Concerns Regarding Prevention

Tactics 🗺️

🏙️ Launching from Populated Areas

🌐 Targeting and Timing

🚫 Denial of Service Attacks

Defense 🛡️

🏠 Fortifications & Shelters

🚨 Red Color Alarm System

🛡️ Iron Dome

Effects 💔

tragically Casualties & Injuries

💥 Misfired Rockets

📊 Annual Statistics (2001-2011)

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Persistent Challenge

International Legal Context

Evolution of Projectiles

History

A Chronology of Attacks

Groups

Militant Organizations

Proportional Involvement (2007 Estimate)

Concerns Regarding Prevention

Tactics

Launching from Populated Areas

Targeting and Timing

Denial of Service Attacks

Defense

Fortifications & Shelters

Red Color Alarm System

Iron Dome

Effects

Casualties & Injuries

Misfired Rockets

Annual Statistics (2001-2011)

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice