January 7, 2005

The IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians (at least 1 is unarmed—a mentally handicapped man who strays into a closed military zone) in separate incidents outside Jewish settlements in Gaza. An AMB gunman ambushes, fatally shoots 1 IDF soldier, wounds 3 nr. Nablus; the IDF conducts arrest raids in the area in response. Hamas fires 6 mortars, 1 Qassam rocket at Jewish settlements in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries; Islamic Jihad fires 3 rockets at Nisanit settlement in n. Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 1/7; VOI, VOP 1/7 in WNC 1/11; NYT, WP 1/8; NYT 1/9; OCHA 1/12; PCHR 1/13)