Terror's Changing Tactics

By Mitch Frank

The intifadeh is evolving into all-out war. While suicide bombings continue, Palestinians are also mounting well-planned attacks, killing Israeli soldiers at checkpoints and bases in Israeli territory. Israel has upped its retaliation as well.

--By Mitch Frank

[Palestine]

Jan. 3

Israeli commandos capture a freighter laden with close to 50 tons of smuggled weapons allegedly destined for the Palestinians.

Jan. 9

Two gunmen cut their way through a fence and attack an Israeli outpost outside the Gaza Strip, killing four soldiers. Hamas claims responsibility.

Jan. 14

Palestinian gunmen ambush Israeli soldiers, killing one. The next day two Israeli civilians are kidnapped in the West Bank and killed.

Jan. 27

Wafa Idris, 28, becomes the first female suicide bomber, killing one Israeli and wounding more than 150 in Jerusalem. Idris was a volunteer medic.

Feb. 10

Palestinians launch two new rockets from Gaza into Israel. Developed by Hamas, the Qassam 2 can travel more than 5 miles, putting much of Israel's territory in range.

Feb. 14

Palestinian gunmen in Gaza lure in Israeli troops and trigger a bomb under a tank, killing three soldiers. Made with C-4, the bomb is much more powerful than most used by Palestinians.

Feb. 19

Palestinian gunmen approach an Israeli checkpoint in the West Bank and open fire, killing six Israeli soldiers.

[Israel]

Jan. 9

Israeli soldiers bulldoze more than 50 houses in a Palestinian refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. Five days later, Israel demolishes nine homes in East Jerusalem.

Jan. 14

With a hidden bomb in the West Bank town of Tulkarm, the Israeli military kills Fatah terrorist leader Raed al Karmi.

Jan. 18

Israel retaliates with F-16s, destroying a Palestinian police station, killing one and wounding 40. Three days later, Israeli forces occupy Tulkarm.

Jan. 31

Ariel Sharon tells a newspaper Israel should have "liquidated" Arafat when it had the chance in 1982 during the war in Lebanon.

Feb. 11

Israeli jets bomb Gaza for two straight days. Troops hunt for the new rockets but fail to find them.

Feb. 14

Israeli jets bomb a Palestinian police station in a refugee camp near Gaza. One policeman is killed; 20 people are hurt.

Feb. 20

Israel responds with ships and planes in a prolonged attack on Arafat's compounds in Gaza and Ramallah, killing 16 Palestinians. Tanks move into Gaza City the next day.