March 2012 Gaza–Israel clashes explained
Operation Returning Echo[2] (מבצע הד חוזר) was an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military operation in the Gaza Strip from March 9 until March 14, 2012. It was the worst outbreak of violence covered by the media in the region since the 2008–2009 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead).[3]
On March 9, Israel carried out a targeted air strike in the Gaza Strip killing Zohair al-Qaisi, the secretary general of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC). Another militant was also killed in the strike, as well as seriously injuring a man nearby.[4] According to the IDF, though the PRC denies this, Al-Qaisi had overseen the 2011 southern Israel cross-border attacks, which killed eight Israelis including six civilians.[5] Israeli officials said that he was preparing the final stages of a new mega-attack that could have claimed multiple lives.[6] Palestinian militant groups retaliated[7] [8] by launching rocket attacks on Israel, with over 300 Grad missiles, Qassam rockets and mortar shells launched, of which 177 hit Israeli territory[9] striking the major urban centers of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba, as well as smaller communities. Twenty-three Israelis were injured, all of them civilians, and schools throughout southern Israel were kept closed for most of the week to protect students from rocket fire. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many of the Palestinian-launched projectiles aimed at large cities, shooting down 56 rockets in 71 attempts.[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]
Israel attacked with 37 air strikes on Gazan weapons storage facilities, rocket launching sites, weapon manufacturing facilities, training bases, posts, tunnels and militants, killing 22, mostly from Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the others from the Popular Resistance Committees. Four civilians were killed as well.[16] [17] [18] Another 74 Palestinians were reportedly injured during the conflict, mostly civilians.[19] Some deaths and injuries among Palestinian civilians during the escalation, which were reported as casualties of the clashes, were later shown to be unrelated to Israeli actions.
The United States, France, and an official from the United Nations condemned the Palestinian attacks, and the US stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself.[20] [21] The Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Arab League, Syria, Egypt and Iran condemned Israel's responsive air strikes on militants.[22] [23] [24] [25] [26] On March 13, Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. Hamas did not participate in the fighting directly, and insisted that all-out war would "be devastating to the Palestinian people."[27]
Background
See main article: 2011 southern Israel cross-border attacks. On August 18, 2011, a series of cross-border parallel attacks and mutual cover was carried out in southern Israel on Highway 12 near the Egyptian border by a squad of presumably 12 militants in four groups.[28] The militants first opened fire at an Egged No. 392 bus as it was traveling on Highway 12 in the Negev near Eilat.[29] [30] Several minutes later, a bomb was detonated next to an Israeli army patrol along Israel's border with Egypt. In a third attack, an anti-tank missile hit a private vehicle, killing four civilians.[31] Eight Israelis – six civilians, one Yamam special Unit police officer and one Golani Brigade soldier—were killed in the multiple-stage attack.[32] [33] The Israeli security forces reported eight attackers killed, and Egyptian security forces reported killing another two.[28]
Chronology of events
March 9
In the afternoon, a strike on a car in Gaza City killed Zohair al-Qaisi, the secretary-general of the Popular Resistance Committees, and his collaborator, Mahmoud Hanani. According to Israel, al-Qaisi was killed because he was in the process of organizing a large terrorist attack to be carried out on Israel's border with Gaza. Al-Qaisi was one of the masterminds of the 2011 southern Israel cross-border attacks, which killed eight Israelis. Hanani was one of the Palestinians freed from Israel as part of the deal to free Gilad Shalit in 2011.[34]
On the same day, Palestinians increased the daily rocket barrage on Israel injuring three persons and causing a traffic accident in which two were wounded. The Israeli Air Force killed 15 more militants and a civilian in retaliatory attacks.[35] The Iron Dome successfully intercepted 90% of the rockets targeted.[36] On March 10, attacks on Israel continued, without causing damage.[37] Several Palestinians were killed while preparing to fire rockets. Militants fired guns in the air and crowds chanted "Revenge, revenge!" during funeral processions in Gaza City.[38] Particulars of individual Palestinian rocket attacks on March 9:
March 10
Particulars of Palestinian rocket attacks:
March 11
As of March 11, over a hundred rockets were fired on Israel in three days. More than thirty rockets were intercepted as of March 11, only those that were heading towards population centres. Overnight, IAF struck new targets in Gaza, killing two Palestinians.[60]
Palestinians fired at least 39 rockets into Israel on March 11.[61] Particulars of individual attacks:
- In the morning, two rockets were fired into Israel, one into the Eshkol Regional Council and one at Ashkelon.[62]
- Later in the morning, several rockets were fired at Ashdod, at least one of which was intercepted by Iron Dome.[63]
- Shrapnel from a rocket fired at Beersheba and intercepted by Iron Dome fell on the city. A vehicle and a sewer pipe were damaged and several residents suffered from shock.[64]
- A rocket hit a school in Beersheba,[65] exploding in its courtyard and damaging its outer walls and disconnecting parts of the neighborhood from landlines. A second rocket landed in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the city; fifteen homes were damaged and several residents suffered from shock.[66]
- Two rockets were launched at Ofakim.[67]
- Three Qassam rockets exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[68]
- Two rockets fired at Ashkelon were intercepted by Iron Dome.[69]
- Two Qassam rockets landed in the Eshkol Regional Council.[70]
- Late at night, four Grad rockets were fired at Ashkelon. Some were intercepted by Iron Dome.[71] [72]
March 12
On March 12, Israel carried out nine raids against military targets.[73]
Islamic Jihad confirmed two of its members were killed. In another attack, five civilians were struck. A 16-year-old school boy was killed on March 12, though his death was later shown to be unrelated to Israeli actions.[74] 24 people, including children, were wounded in a pre-dawn strike on Gaza city.[73]
Schools in southern Israel remained closed.[73]
Palestinians fired 42 rockets into Israel.[75] Particulars of individual attacks:
- During the night, seven Qassam rockets were fired into the Eshkol Regional Council. One landed in a village and damaged several homes and vehicles.[76] [77] [78]
- In the morning, three rockets were fired at Beersheba. One was intercepted by Iron Dome and the two others landed outside the city. A warning siren sounded in the city.[79]
- In the morning, five rockets fired at Ashdod were intercepted by Iron Dome. At least one additional rocket landed near the city. The Color Red alarm sounded in the city and surrounding areas.[80] [81]
- Two trucks that were transporting goods from Israel into the Gaza Strip were damaged by mortar shells on the Gazan side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing.[82]
- A Qassam rocket landed in the Eshkol Regional Council.[83]
- Two Qassam rockets landed in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council.[84]
- Around 1 pm, two Grad rockets exploded near Beersheba. Air raid sirens sounded in the city.[85]
- Around 1:30 pm, a Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[86]
- Around 1:30 pm, one or two rockets landed near Gedera. Two vehicles were damaged, and several people suffered from shock.[87] [88] It is the most northern target to be hit by the Palestinians, located 28 kilometres (17 mi) south-east of Tel Aviv and 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) east of Ashdod.[89]
- Around 2:30 pm, three rockets exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[90]
- Around 2:30 pm, a rocket exploded in Ashdod. Two people were injured by shrapnel, and several other people suffered from shock. Damage was caused to stores and a vehicle.[91] [92] Two other rockets fired at the city were intercepted by Iron Dome.[93]
- Around 4:30 pm, a rocket exploded near Ofakim.[94]
- Around 5 pm, a rocket fired at Ashdod was intercepted by Iron Dome.[95]
- Around 6:30 pm, two rockets exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[96]
- Around 8 pm, two rockets fired at Ashkelon were intercepted by Iron Dome. A third rocket landed in an open area.[97] Air raid sirens sounded in the city.[98]
- Around 9 pm, two mortar shells were fired into Israel.[99]
- Around 10 pm, a Qassam rocket exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[100]
March 13
An informal ceasefire was reached early on March 13. Despite this, Palestinians fired at least 7 rockets and 10 mortars at Israel throughout the day.[10] Particulars of individual attacks:
- Before morning, a rocket exploded in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council.[101]
- In the morning, a mortar shell landed in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.[102]
- In the morning, a Qassam rocket exploded in the Eshkol Regional Council.[103]
- Around 10:30 am, a mortar shell fired at the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council set off the Color Red alarm in the area, but it apparently landed within the Gaza Strip.[104]
- Around noon, six mortar shells were fired into the Eshkol Regional Council.[105] [106]
- Around 7 pm, a Qassam rocket was fired into the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.[107]
- Around 8 pm, a mortar shell was fired into the Eshkol Regional Council.[108]
- Around 11 pm, a rocket exploded in a parking lot in Netivot. A 40-year-old man was injured by shrapnel, and 20[109] people were treated for shock. Several vehicles were damaged.[110] IAF aircraft struck targets in Gaza in retaliation during early morning of March 14.[111]
March 14
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians continued to launch missiles into Israel. Around 7 pm, a Grad rocket fired at Beersheba was intercepted by Iron Dome. A second rocket landed in an empty field. Neither projectile caused injuries or damage.[112] Following the attack, local authorities announced that schools in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Gan Yavne and the Bnei Shimon Regional Council would be closed for March 15. Some schools had been open on March 14 after the recent escalation was perceived as having ended.[113] Israel responded to the attack with air strikes on an infiltration tunnel and a rocket launching site.[114]
March 15
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired a barrage of rockets into Israel. The attacks were praised by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, who, in a Hezbollah graduation ceremony, lauded the fact that "the resistance was able to force a million and half a million of Israelis to stay in shelters".[115] Details of individual attacks:
March 16
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired a rocket into the Eshkol Regional Council.[120]
March 19
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired a rocket into the Eshkol Regional Council, causing no injuries or damage.[121]
March 20
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired a rocket into the Eshkol Regional Council, causing no injuries or damage.[122]
March 21
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired a rocket into the Eshkol Regional Council. Later, a mortar shell was fired into the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. This was followed moments later by a second mortar shell fired at Israel Defense Forces soldiers near the border fence. No injuries or damage were reported in any of the attacks.[123] [124] [125]
March 29
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinians fired three mortar shells into the Eshkol Regional Council, causing no injuries or damage.[126]
Disputed incidents
On 12 March, 16-year-old Nayef Qarmut was killed and six other teenagers were injured in an apparent explosion near Beit Lahiya in the Gaza Strip. Adham Abu Selmiya, a spokesman for medical services in the Hamas-ruled territory, said that Qarmut was killed by an Israeli air strike. The Israel Defense Forces, however, denied that any air strikes had taken place in that time and location. An Agence France-Presse correspondent at the scene said there were no signs of any impact consistent with an air strike, and that the most likely cause of the teen's death was an explosive device he was carrying.[74]
On 14 March, Adham Abu Selmiya said that 8-year-old Barka al-Mugrahbi died of wounds sustained in the same purported air strike which he had said killed Nayef Qarmut. However, on the same day, witnesses and relatives said that the boy was killed by being struck in the head by an errant bullet when gunmen were firing in the air during a Gazan funeral procession for a militant.[127] Abu Selmiya corrected his account, blaming his original account on "wrong information" from the hospital.[128]
Iron Dome
About 300 rockets being fired by militants from Gaza.[15] On 10 March 2012, The Jerusalem Post reported an Iron Dome success rate of shooting down 90% of rockets launched from Gaza the system engaged (rockets which will land in unpopulated areas are ignored)[129] and there were no Israeli casualties, whether civilian or military. The success of the Iron Dome system was widely acclaimed on the Israeli side.
Reactions
The United Nations, the United States and France condemned the Palestinian attacks, and the US stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself.[20] [130] The Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Arab League and Egypt condemned Israel's air strikes on militants.[22] [24] [131] [132]
The result, according to Leor Sapir, brought five strategic benefits to Israel: (1) it enabled a new weapon system to be tested in an authentic operational setting: (2) it provided crucial data to check if Iron Dome's technology met its original expectations. (3) It inspired both confidence in the system's capabilities and set realistic expectations: (4) It enabled, in a controlled conflict to get the Gaza terrorist infrastructure to waste a significant number of rockets: (5) Above all, activating Iron Dome has a deterrent effect by sending with its 76% hit-rate a powerful message to Iran and Hezbollah.[133]
Twitter incidents
Some images of children in the conflict were outdated and caused controversy. During the March 2012 Gaza-Israel clashes, Ofir Gendelman, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tweeted a photo of an Israeli woman and her two children ducking a Gaza rocket describing it as "when a rocket fired by terrorists from Gaza is about to hit their home." When it was proved the photo was from 2009 he said "I never stated that the photo was current."[134] During that period Khulood Badawi, an Information and Media Coordinator for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, tweeted a picture of a Palestinian child covered in blood. She was criticized because the child was killed in 2006, allegedly in an accident.[135] She later tweeted that she mistakenly had tweeted an old photo.[136] Ma'an News Agency reported a week later that the hospital medical report on the dead girl read that she died “due to falling from a high area during the Israeli strike on Gaza”. There are differing accounts of how the Israeli air strike, reported to be as little as 100 meters away, may have caused the accident. Israel has denied having any involvement in the girl's death.[137]
List of Palestinian militants killed
- Zohair al-Qaisi, commander of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), killed in initial air strike on 9 March.[138]
- Ahmad Hanini, senior PRC member, killed in same air strike.[138]
- Hussein Barham Al-Breim (51), of the PRC, killed while on his motorcycle east of Khan Yunis on 10 March.
- Mansour Kamal Abu Nuseira (20), of the PRC, killed in same air strike.
- Mahdi Abu Shawish (24), of the PRC, killed in Rafah later on 10 March.[139] [140]
- Ahmad Hajjaj, of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), killed in his car in Gaza City on 10 March.[141]
- Fayiq Saad, of PIJ, killed in same air strike.[141]
- Muatasim Hajjaj, of PIJ, killed in same air strike.[141]
- Shadi Sayqali, of PIJ .[142]
- Hazim Qureiqi, of PIJ.[142]
- Ubeid Gharably, of PIJ.[142]
- Muhammad Hararah, of PIJ.[142]
- Muhammad Maghari, of PIJ, killed in Beit Lahiya on 10 March, according to PIJ.[141] [143] [144]
- Mahmoud Najim, of PIJ, killed in same air strike, according to PIJ.[141] [143]
- Muhammad al-Ghamry (26), of PIJ, killed on 10 March.[141] [143]
- Ahmed Deeb Salem (24), of the PRC, killed in Gaza City on 11 March, according to the PRC.[145]
- Raafat Abu Eid (24), of PIJ, killed in his vehicle in Khan Yunis on 12 March.[146]
- Hamadah Salman Abu Mutlaq (24), killed east of Khan Yunis on 12 March.[146]
- Bassam al-Ajla, of PIJ, killed east of Gaza City later on 12 March, while preparing to fire a rocket at Israel.[147]
- Muhammad Thaher, of PIJ, killed in same air strike.[147]
See also
Notes and References
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- News: Israel-Gaza Clash Calms After Egypt Mediates a Truce. The Wall Street Journal. Joshua. Mitnick. Matt. Bradley. March 13, 2012.
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- News: Zitun . Yoav . 2012-03-09 . IDF: Killed terror chief planned mega-attack . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: 2012-03-10 . At least 15 killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-04-18 . 0261-3077 . The strikes began on Friday, when Israeli air raids killed the senior militant leader Zohair al-Qaisi, the secretary general of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC). Israel claimed he was targeted because he was planning an attack. Militants retaliated with a fierce rocket attack on Israel's southern border communities, which seriously wounded one civilian..
- News: 2012-03-09 . Israel launches deadly air strikes on Gaza . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-04-18 . The Israeli military said dozens of rockets had been fired into Israel.... Some of the rockets had been intercepted by Israel's "Iron Dome" anti-missile system, she added... The rockets were apparently fired in retaliation for the killing of PRC leaders..
- Web site: Rocket & Mortar Attacks Against Israel by Date . 2023-04-18 . Jewish Virtual Library.
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- Web site: Clinton condemns rocket fire on Israel . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 10, 2012 . en-US.
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- Web site: Yaakov . Yifa . Barak warns Gaza flare-up may last several more days . 2023-04-18 . Times of Israel . en-US.
- Web site: Arab League, Egypt FM condemn IDF operations in Gaza . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 11, 2012 . en-US.
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- News: August 19, 2011 . Israeli airstrikes target Gaza after multiple attacks . CNN . August 20, 2011.
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- News: Lappin . Yaakov . August 18, 2011 . Additional shooting attack north of Eilat, one injured . . August 18, 2011.
- News: Israel kills PRC leadership in Gaza airstrike. Katz, Yaakov. The Jerusalem Post. August 18, 2011. August 18, 2011.
- News: Lappin . Yaakov . August 19, 2011 . Counter-terror officer killed by terrorist fire near Eilat . . live . August 19, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110819032723/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234417 . August 19, 2011.
- Web site: Issacharoff . Avi . IDF strike in Gaza kills leader of Popular Resistance Committees - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper . Haaretz.com . 2012-03-09 . 2012-11-16.
- Web site: October 4, 2011 . Death toll climbs after Israeli raids on Gaza . March 13, 2012 . Al Jazeera English.
- Web site: Katz . Yaakov . Iron Dome ups its interception rate to over 90... JPost – Defense . Jerusalem Post . March 13, 2012.
- Web site: Yagna . Yanir . Renewed Gaza rocket fire strikes Israel, as escalation in south continues . Haaretz . Israel . December 2, 2011 . March 13, 2012.
- News: At Least 15 Killed In Israeli Airstrikes On Gaza . National Public Radio . March 10, 2012 . Associated Press . March 10, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120310202138/http://www.npr.org/2012/03/10/148352376/flare-up-between-israel-gaza-strip-in-second-day . March 10, 2012 .
- Web site: Two mortar shells explode in Eshkol region; no casualties . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 9, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-09 . South under fire; IDF kills 12 terrorists . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 9 March 2012 . Palestinians fire 6 rockets into Israel after airstrike . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Rocket fired from Gaza lands in Beersheba; building damaged . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-09 . Iron Dome intercepts 2 rockets fired at Ashdod . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-10 . Rocket fired at Beersheba; none injured . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-10 . Another rocket explodes in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-10 . Rocket explodes in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-10 . Color Red alert sounds in Sderot . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-10 . Qassam explodes in Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Zitun . Yoav . 2012-03-10 . Iron Dome intercepts 2 more rockets fired towards Ashkelon . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-10 . 2 rockets hit northwestern Negev . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-10 . Rockets hit near Sderot, Netivot . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Qassam explodes in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Second rocket in 1 hour explodes in Sha'ar Hanegev . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Two rockets slam into Eshkol Region Council, none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Zitun . Yoav . Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-10 . Iron Dome intercepts 2 more rockets fired at Ashdod . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Shrapnel from intercepted rocket falls on Ashkelon home . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-10 . Rocket hits Be'er Tuvia Regional Council . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Kassam rocket lands in stable, kills horse . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 10, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 10 March 2012 . Five rockets exploded in fields in Eshkol; no injuries . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Cohen . Gili . December 2, 2011 . Iron Dome intercepts Gaza rockets over Ashdod, as escalation continues for third day . March 13, 2012 . Haaretz . Israel.
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- Web site: Two rockets explode in South; no casualties, damage . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 11, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 11 March 2012 . Iron Dome intercepts rocket fired at Ashdod; none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Iron Dome hits rocket, shrapnel causes damage in Beersheba . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 11, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: video footage of the blast . March 12, 2012 . Israelnationalnews.com . 2012-11-16.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 11 March 2012 . Rocket fired from Gaza hits Beersheba school; damage caused . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Report: Two rockets explode near Ofakim; no casualties . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 11, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 11 March 2012 . Three rockets explode in Eshkol region; no casualties . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Rocket fired from Gaza intercepted near Ashkelon . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 11, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 11 March 2012 . Two Kassam rockets land in Eshkol region; no casualties . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Report: Two Grad rockets fired over Ashkelon, no injuries . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 12, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-11 . IDF intercepts additional rocket over Ashkelon . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Barzak . Ibrahim . March 12, 2012 . New Israeli airstrikes kill 3 in Gaza . Toronto . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120315054544/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/new-israeli-airstrikes-kill-3-in-gaza/article2366273/ . March 15, 2012 . mdy-all.
- http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-denies-boy-killed-on-way-to-school-was-drone-victim-20120312-1uwev.html Israel denies boy killed on way to school was drone victim
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . Police: Total of 42 rockets hit Israel Monday . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: 7 rockets fired from Gaza into Eshkol regional council . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 12, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . Levy . Elior . Zitun . Yoav . Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Grad salvo hits western Negev . Ynetnews . 2012-11-16.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . Eshkol: Rocket damages structures near kindergarten . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: 3 Rockets fired at Beersheba from Gaza; none hurt . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 12, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . Iron Dome intercepts 5 rockets fired at Ashdod; none hurt . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . Rocket falls in open area near Ashdod; no injuries . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: 2 trucks damaged by mortar shells on Gaza side of border . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 12, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . Kassam from Gaza lands in Eshkol Council area; none hurt . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . 2 Kassams from Gaza land in Sha'ar Hanegev region, no hurt . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . 2 rockets explode near Beersheba . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . Qassam hits western Negev none injured . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . Grad rocket from Gaza lands in Gedera area; none hurt . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Brenner . Neri . Senyor . Eli . Zitun . Yoav . 2012-03-12 . Rocket explodes in Gadera; Car damaged . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 12 March 2012 . Grad rockets slam into Ashdod, Gedera . March 13, 2012 . JPost.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-12 . 3 rockets hit northwestern Negev . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Ashdod: Rocket hits car . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Ashdod: 2 injured by rocket shrapnel . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Iron Dome intercepts rocket fired at Ashdod . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . Rocket explodes in Ofakim area . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Iron Dome intercepts rocket fired at Ashdod . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . 2 rockets explode in Eshkol Regional Council . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Iron dome intercepts 2 rockets over Ashkelon . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-12 . Air raid siren activated in Ashkelon . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-12 . 2 mortar shells explode in south . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-12 . Another Qassam rocket explodes in south . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-13 . Rocket hits western Negev; non injured . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Mortar shell fired at Ashkelon area; none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 13, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Kassam rocket fired at Eshkol Regional Council from Gaza . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 13, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Brenner . Neri . 2012-03-13 . Color Red Alert in Hof Ashkelon; mortar falls in Palestinian territory . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-13 . 4 mortars explode in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-13 . 2 additional Gaza mortars hit Negev . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-13 . Gaza rocket hits Negev; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-13 . Mortar shell hits Eshkol Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 1995-06-20 . ynet עלה ל-20 מספר נפגעי החרדה מפיצוץ הגראד בנתיבות - חדשות . Ynet . Ynet.co.il . 2012-11-16.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-13 . man injured from rocket explodes in Netivot . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . Zitun . Yoav . Brener . Neri . Somfalvi . Attila . Benhorin . Yitzhak . 2012-03-14 . Rocket hits Netivot parking lot; IDF strikes in Gaza - Israel News, Ynetnews . Ynetnews . Ynetnews.com . 2012-11-16.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 15 March 2012 . Two Grad rockets fired toward Beersheba; Iron Dome gets one . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Web site: Katz . Yaakov . 15 March 2012 . Rocket attacks continue after IAF strikes . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-15 . Iron Dome intercepts Grad; rocket hits Netivot . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Nasrallah praises barrage of Gazan rockets fired at Israel . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 15, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Kassam explodes in Sdot Negev region; no casualties . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 15, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Brener . Neri . 2012-03-15 . Grad fired at Ashdod intercepted by Iron Dome . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-15 . Rocket hits western Negev . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-15 . Rocket hits Hof Ashkelon Regional Council . 2023-04-18 . Ynetnews . en.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-16 . Rocket hits Negev overnight; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Kassam lands in Eshkol Council area; none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 19, 2012 . en-US.
- Web site: Rocket strikes Eshkol Regional Council; none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 20, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . 2012-03-21 . Rocket explodes in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Zitun . Yoav . Levy . Elior . 2012-03-21 . Mortar shell fired at IDF troops near Gaza border . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- News: Zitun . Yoav . 2012-03-21 . 3 rockets fired at western Negev . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- Web site: Lappin . Yaakov . 29 March 2012 . Three mortar shells explode in Eshkol area, none injured . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- News: Levy . Elior . 2012-03-14 . Palestinians: Gaza boy dies of wounds . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/israeli-raids-gaza-after-rockets-fired/story-fn3dxity-1226299872840 Israeli raids Gaza after rockets fired
- News: Iron Dome ups its interception rate to over 90% . Yaakov . Katz . . 10 March 2012 . 10 March 2012.
- http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=261263 Clinton condemns rocket fire on Israel
- http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4200862,00.html Egypt condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza
- http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=261286 Arab League, Egypt FM condemn IDF operations in Gaza
- Web site: Sapir . Leor . 2012-03-27 . Iron Dome's Crucial Gaza Test . 2023-04-18 . Commentary Magazine . en-US.
- Web site: Hadid . Diaa . 2012-03-15 . Old photos tweeted in Israel-Palestinian conflict . 2023-04-18 . San Diego Union-Tribune . en-US.
- Web site: Frenkel . Sheera . 2012-03-14 . Tweets of misleading photos feed Israeli-Palestinian feud . 2023-04-18 . North Iowa Today . en-US.
- Web site: Keinon . Herb . 20 March 2012 . No sign UN will fire worker over incendiary tweet . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . en-US.
- Charlotte Alfred, Twitter flap obscures details of Gaza girl's death, Ma'an News Agency, 27/03/2012 (updated) 01/04/2012 09:31
- Web site: IDF foils major attack; kills 2 terrorists in Gaza strike . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20120312075659/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=261143 . March 12, 2012 . 2023-04-18 . The Jerusalem Post . March 9, 2012 . en-US.
- News: Curiel . Ilana . Brenner . Neri . Zitun . Yoav . Kais . Roee . Levy . Elior . 2012-03-10 . IAF kills 3 more terrorists; Over 100 rockets fired from Gaza . en . Ynetnews . 2023-04-18.
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=466705 Airstrikes kill 3 in south Gaza
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=466626 Israel bombards Gaza for second day
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=466683 Gaza buries 12 men
- http://paltoday.ps/ar/post/132082/%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%89-%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85--%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D8%B3-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9-10-%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%AF%25 حتى فجر اليوم.."سرايا القدس" تودع 10 مجاهدين وتدك المحتل بأكثر من 70 صاروخ وقذيفة
- The name "Maghari" indicates a family origin from the village of Al-Maghar, depopulated in 1948.
- http://www.moqawmh.ps/index.php?view=ns&news_id=9922 كتائب الناصر تزف للجنان شهيدها المجاهد أحمد سالم ديب
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=467140 5 killed, 46 injured in fourth day of Gaza airstrikes
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=467421 Medics: 2 killed in Israeli airstrike east of Gaza City
