In retaliation for the 12/11 Hamas–Fatah Hawks attack, the IDF seals the Rafah crossing, fires on residential areas of Rafah (killing 1 Palestinian outside his home), conducts air strikes on 5 targets in Gaza City (destroying at least 1 metal workshop, 1 Palestinian home). The IDF also shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, injuring 7 Palestinian students in their classroom; tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement in the Ramallah area; begins bulldozing agricultural land in Husan w. of Bethlehem for construction of the separation wall. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers fr. Ariel settlement throw stones at, chase off Palestinian farmers working their fields in neighboring Isqaqa village. (BBC 12/12; JAZ, VOI, VOP 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/13; VOP 12/13 in WNC 12/15; PCHR 12/16)
Sunday, December 12, 2004