IDF aerial attacks on businesses in Gaza involved in transferring funds to
terror organizations
Tonight (May 24, 2007) the IDF carried out aerial attacks against money changers' offices and businesses in the Gaza Strip which have been transferring funds from Iran, Syria and Lebanon for the funding of the terrorist activities of Hamas and other organizations.Millions of dollars have been transferred each month to terror organizations in the Gaza Strip which has enabled the purchase and manufacture of weaponry and the carrying out of attacks against Israeli civilians, including Qassam launchings.
During the past week close to 200 Qassam rockets were launched at Israel, killing a woman, injuring dozens and causing significant damage to property. Most of the Qassam rockets were launched by the Hamas terror organization.
The funds transferred to the terror organizations are a central motivator to their violent and aggressive activity against Israeli civilians. These funds help maintain and extend the terrorist infrastructures while increasing the supply of weapons at their disposal, paying terror operatives and enabling them to train.
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33 members of the Hamas terror organization arrested
In a joint IDF and ISA operation overnight in the region of Judea and Samaria, IDF forces arrested 33 senior members of the Hamas terror organization including a minister - and other senior members of the Palestinian authority and local authorities.
The Hamas members who were arrested were taken for questioning by security forces.
The Hamas terror organization is currently involved in enhancing the terror infrastructure in the Judea and Samaria region - based on the model used in the Gaza Strip. The organization exploits governmental institutions to encourage and support terrorist activity.
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Terror suspects detained and released
The IDF detained seven terror suspects near Khan Younis in the Gaza border area with Israel early Wednesday morning - all the suspects were members of one family and all were later released.
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Horse on kibbutz Murdered by Qassam Rocket Fire
Just as the Shavuot holiday morning prayers were commencing, two Qassam rockets launched by Gaza-based terrorists landed south of Ashkelon, another two fell near Sderot, one of them killing mare in Kibbutz Nir Am. In Sderot, a woman was treated for shock.The rockets were launched by the terrorists at aprox. 8:20 am, as many of the remaining Sderot residents were attending Shavuot prayers at their neigborhood local synagogues. The Color Red warning system sirens blared throughout the city alerting residents to the incoming rocket. A loud explosion was heard shortly thereafter.
On Tuesday, the Gaza-based terrorists fired a total of nine Qassam rockets at the western Negev.
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Official Israeli Response to IAEA Report
Source: Prime Minister's Media Adviser
Following is Israel's reaction to the International Atomic Energy Agency
report (http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/Focus/IaeaIran/index.shtml) on Iran
that was issued today (Wednesday), 23.5.07:
"Israel regrets that Iran continues to systematically and openly violate UN
Security Council and IAEA Board of Governors decisions regarding its nuclear
activities. Moreover, we view with utmost gravity the continuing
deterioration in the level of Iranian cooperation with IAEA inspectors.
Continued progress in Iran's enrichment activities, which the IAEA reported
on today, is a source of concern even though it is insufficient to indicate
that Iran has already achieved an industrial-level enrichment capability.
Therefore, not only do initiatives that seek to anchor and reinforce the
existing situation not contribute to resolving the crisis, they damage and
harm the chances of success on the diplomatic track.
See also www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/The+Iranian+Threat/Nuclear+threat
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20 Islamic Jihad terrorists arrested in Bethlehem overnight
In a joint IDF and ISA operation in Bethlehem Monday, Israeli forces arrested
20 Islamic Jihad terror operatives, including senior members. The operatives
were taken for questioning by security forces.
During recent months the Islamic Jihad terror infrastructure planned and
attempted to carry out attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF forces, in
particular in the Bethlehem area.
The Islamic Jihad terror organization continuous its attempts to carry out
attacks, funded and directed by the organization's headquarters in Syria.
The IDF also arrested four suspects in Hebron, and confiscated a number of
rifles and handmade guns found in a hidden cache. Three additional suspects were arrested in the Ramallah area, and another was detained near Shchem (Nablus).
The IDF has urged the public to avoid trips to areas located near the
border with the Gaza Strip over the Shavuot holiday for fear of rocket
attacks.
Palestinian terror groups intensified rocket attacks against Israel last
week, prompting Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.
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