The Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Following the worsening of arson terrorism, the IDF stepped up its responses and began attacking Hamas targets, and did not only make do with firing warning shots at Palestinians launching kites and balloons. Hamas, which is behind arson terrorism, is now trying to establish "new rules of engagement" to prevent severe Israeli responses and to protect the Palestinians launching kites and balloons. Hamas calls the "response equation" "an attack in return for an attack, blood in return for blood." That is, an IDF attack on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip in response to the launching of kites and balloons will be retaliated by rocket and mortar shell fire into Israeli territory. As a result, an explosive situation has been created, with potential for additional escalation in the Gaza Strip. That, in turn, is liable to lead to a broad confrontation even if neither side wants one. Read more...

The two-month escalation in the Gaza Strip continues, the first of its kind since Operation Protective Edge. The escalation has been the result of Hamas' changing its policy and rules of engagement with Israel, in force since the end of Operation Protective Edge. Hamas initiated violent, organized "popular activity," including massive attempts to penetrate into Israeli territory, attacks against IDF forces along the border fence and flying incendiary kites into the western Negev. Read more...