Rockets from Gaza have been hitting Southern Israel since 2001, with the frequency rising significantly after Israel evacuated its troops in 2005... However, the tahadiyeh (truce, lull) between Hamas and Israel from July 2008 on resulted in a serious reduction in these attacks (see graph above, courtesy of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
However, even during the truce a small number of rockets still were fired at Israel, and Israel held Hamas responsible for these attacks. These attacks were claimed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade. Ironically enough, the latter is the military wing loyal to Fatah and, presumably, Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). This worthy has met frequently with Rice, has visited the White House, and is the partner in 'peace talks' with Israel... However, since he is one of the "good guys" while Hamas are the "bad guys" (at least in the simplistic, black and white view of the current administration) Hamas can be blamed for all rocket attacks, which are not allowed to perturb the smiles and bonhomie during Abbas' meetings with the U.S. and Israel...
However, even during the truce a small number of rockets still were fired at Israel, and Israel held Hamas responsible for these attacks. These attacks were claimed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade. Ironically enough, the latter is the military wing loyal to Fatah and, presumably, Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). This worthy has met frequently with Rice, has visited the White House, and is the partner in 'peace talks' with Israel... However, since he is one of the "good guys" while Hamas are the "bad guys" (at least in the simplistic, black and white view of the current administration) Hamas can be blamed for all rocket attacks, which are not allowed to perturb the smiles and bonhomie during Abbas' meetings with the U.S. and Israel...
President Bush and Abu Mazen
Ehud Olmert,Rice, and Abu Mazen
