According to the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), there was a sharp increase in terrorist incidents last month, January 2010, reporting 80 attacks as compared to 51 in December 2009, representing a 57% increase. This was the case in Yehuda, Shomron, Gaza and Yerushalayim, the agency reported.

The largest increase was seen in renewed rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza, with a total of 28 mortar shells and 13 Kassam rockets fired in January. There were 9 rockets and 3 mortar shells in the month previous.  One citizen was injured in the attacks, in the Shomron, when a rock or other blunt object was hurled at a vehicle.

In Gaza, there were 32 terrorist incidents as opposed to 19 in December, and in the Jerusalem district, 11 as compared to 4. There were a total of 37 throughout Yehuda and Shomron, compared to 28 in December.

In 38 of the 48 attacks recorded throughout Yehuda, Shomron and the Jerusalem district, firebombs were used in the attacks; 4 incidents included explosive devices; 3 rock-throwing; 2 grenade attacks and 1 attack involving gunfire. There were also two attacks in Gaza involving anti-tank rockets.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)