Monthly Archives: September 2010

Civilian and Humanitarian Aid to Gaza – August 2010 Monthly Report, 28 Sept 2010

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The Israeli Government, together with the IDF, coordinates the delivery of a variety of Humanitarian Aid and Development Assistance to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. This report details the humanitarian measures taken during the month of August 2010, as well as general transfers of goods and services to the Strip.

August saw a 41% increase in the net volume of truckloads entering Gaza, together with the ongoing implementation of the new policies approved on June 20th. These included the establishment of a Joint Project Coordination Team between COGAT and the PA, which has already facilitated various development efforts. There has also been a near doubling of the capacity for imports via the Kerem Shalom Crossing since May.

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The ‘Irene’ en route to Ashdod Port, boarded by Israel Navy without incident, 28 Sept 2010

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IDF naval forces boarded the yacht “Irene,” and it is currently being led to the Ashdod seaport along with its passengers.

The boarding occured without incident and no violence of any kind was used by either the passengers onboard or the Israel naval forces.

Prior to boarding the yacht, the Israel naval ships transmitted two warnings to its captain, making him aware that they were in danger of breaking both Israeli and international law. These warnings were ignored by the captain and the boat’s passengers; they continued to sail further into the area under naval blockade. Consequently, Israel navy forces intercepted and boarded the ship.

The IDF regrets that it must divert the Israel Navy’s attention from its regular operational activity defending Israel and its citizens because of acts of provocation such as this.

The Irene

IAF Thwarts Terrorist Attempt to Launch Rockets into Israel

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In a joint IDF-ISA operation, the IAF targeted and identified hitting a number of militants preparing to fire rockets from the central Gaza Strip into Israel. Secondary blasts were also identified.

Hamas Rocket Found in Civilian Home

Archive: A Hamas rocket found after it landed in a civilian home in Israel.

Over 440 rockets have been fired into Israel territory since the end of Operation Cast Lead, some 150 since the beginning of 2010 alone.

The IDF remains committed to protecting the citizens of Israel and will continue to act against terror. The IDF holds Hamas solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Security Forces Work Towards Safe and Successful Olive Harvest Season, 27 Sep 2010

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For the past few months, the IDF in coordination with the Civil Administration and the Israeli Police have been preparing for the annual olive harvest in the Judea and Samaria region. The harvest, beginning early October, is expected to last through December.

As part of the preparations, Civil Administration officials met with their Palestinian counterparts, representatives from various villages in the region, and Palestinian olive oil manufacturers in order to coordinate a schedule for the harvest. In addition, Israeli security forces conducted security assessments and authorized the plan for the harvest, during which they will provide round-the-clock security.

The IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) respect this mission with high importance and value, understand the cultural and economic significance of the olive harvest to the Palestinian people of the region, and will operate accordingly so as to allow for the harvest to occur.

Security forces will be spread throughout the region in order to prevent any harm to the olive groves and to the harvesters. In general, access to most olive fields in Judea and Samaria will not require advance coordination with the IDF or the Civil Administration. However, due to prevailing security conditions and past experiences, entry into a limited number of areas during the harvest will be coordinated with the IDF and Civil Administration.

In addition, Israeli civilians will not be permitted to enter particular olive fields so as to prevent friction between different populations. Representatives of the Civil Administration, Israel Police and IDF will be present in these areas.

This year, as in the past, various Israeli and international non-profit organizations are expected to be extensively involved in the Palestinian olive harvest. Representatives of the Civil Administration have met with representatives of these organizations and have agreed on guidelines for their activity during the olive harvest.

The IDF, COGAT and the Israeli Police will continue to safeguard Palestinian quality of life while fighting terrorism and ensuring the security of Israeli citizens.

Update: Weapons and IDF Equipment Found During Arrest in Talfit, 27 Sept 2010

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During an arrest that took place in the village of Talfit overnight an AR-15 assault rifle, three handguns, an improvised rifle, ammunition and large quantities of IDF equipment were discovered by IDF soldiers. The ammunition and military equipment were transferred to sappers. In addition, five wanted Palestinians were arrested in the village and taken for security questioning.

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IDF Chief of Staff Comments on Russian-Syrian Arms Deals

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Earlier today, the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi visited the Paratroopers’ Brigade general exercise taking place in southern Israel.

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi in Paratroopers Brigade Drill

Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi during the drill

During the exercise, Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi said that Israel has been following the arms deals between Russia and Syria for a while now. Furthermore, he noted that this was an unwelcome development, however one the IDF was prepared for. Regarding any suspicion that the weapons would be transferred to the hands of Hezbollah, he said, in recent years there has been a worrisome trend where a large part of the Syrian arsenal finds its way to the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

The Chief of the General Staff also noted: “One of the most important things is to prepare the army for the possibility of war in a number of fronts, including the northern front. The Paratroopers Brigade is one of the key forces on each front. In this exercise there has been exceptional cooperation between air and ground forces, where pilots have learnt the complexities that the ground forces must deal with, so that they can support them from the air.”

Security Crossings into Israel from Judea and Samaria Temporarily Closed During Holiday of Sukkot, 21 Sept 2010

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During the holiday of Sukkot, security crossings into Israel will be temporarily closed. The crossings will close on September 21st, 2010, at 23:59 and will reopen on September 30th at 23:59, in accordance with security assessments adopted by the defense establishment.

For the duration of the holiday, persons in need of medical attention will cross into Israel for medical care. The passage of humanitarian aid as well as doctors, medical personnel, NGO members, attorneys, and additional professionals will be coordinated by the Civil Administration.

Gaza Strip Weekly Crossing Reports for August 29th-September 3rd and September 5th-9th, 21 Sep 20101

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The Israeli Government, together with the IDF, coordinates the delivery of a variety of Humanitarian Aid & Development Assistance to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip on a daily basis. The following reports detail cross-border activities for the last week of August and the first week of September 2010.

During this period, a total of 1903 truckloads crossed from Israel, carrying 43,679 tons of goods, humanitarian aid and development assistance for Gaza’s civilian population.

All crossings operated until 15:00 out of respect for religious observance during this Ramadan Period, in accordance with the Palestinian Authority’s requests.

In addition, following the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision in early July, the capacity of the Kerem Shalom Crossing was expanded by 210%, facilitating the daily entry of up to 250 truckloads of goods.

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Security Crossings into Israel from Judea and Samaria Temporarily Closed During Yom Kippur Holiday, 16 Sept 2010

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During the Yom Kippur holiday, September 17th, 2010 to September 18th, 2010, security crossings into Israel will be temporarily closed. The crossings will close on September 16th, 2010 at 23:59 and will open again on September 18th, 2010 at 23:59 in accordance with security assessments adopted by the defense establishment.

For the duration of the holiday, persons in need of medical attention will cross into Israel for medical care. The passage of humanitarian aid as well as doctors, medical personnel, NGO members, attorneys, and additional professionals will be coordinated by the Civil Administration.

In Response to Nine Projectiles Fired From Gaza, IAF Targets Weapons Storage Facilities, 16 Sept 2010

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Overnight, the Israel Air Force struck two weapons storage facilities in the northern and southern Gaza Strip. The attack is in response to the nine projectiles fired into Israeli territory over the last 24 hours.

Yesterday, Wednesday, September 15th, 2010, the Israel Air Force struck a Hamas operated tunnel located on the Rafah Border in the Southern Gaza Strip. This specific tunnel was used to smuggle terrorists into the Gaza Strip so that they could execute attacks against Israeli civilians.

Since the beginning of the week, 14 rockets and mortars have been fired into Israel. Yesterday, Wednesday, September 15th, 2010, one Grad rocket and eight mortar shells hit the Eshkol Regional Council, making it the largest number of projectiles fired from the Gaza Strip in a single day since March 2009.

More than 150 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israeli territory since the beginning of 2010, and over 440 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel since the end of Operation Cast Lead.

The IDF remains committed to protecting the citizens of Israel and will continue to act against terror. The IDF holds Hamas solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.