This week two incidents took place in which IEDs were used against IDF forces on patrol near the security fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. In August 2013 an attempted terrorist attack in Jerusalem’s Mamilla Mall was thwarted. The attack was planned by Hamas operatives using an improvised IED with iron pellets to make it more lethal, and was supposed to take place during the High Holidays. The terrorists who planned the attack were assisted by two Palestinians from East Jerusalem who worked as janitors in the mall.

Hamas and the other terrorist organizations working in the Gaza Strip are preparing for the possibility of a U.S. attack in Syria. Publicly they have expressed their opposition to an attack and reportedly made a decision to avoid a military conflict with Israel (Al-Quds al-Arabi, August 31, 2013). On the ground, it was reported that Hamas forces have deployed due to concerns about Israel taking advantage of the opportunity and attacking the terrorists in the Gaza Strip (Al-Quds al-Arabi, August 31, 2013). As for the PA-administered territories, Abu Mazen announced that he is opposed to a military attack in Syria. There was a support rally for Syria and Hezbollah held in Ramallah, apparently led by left-wing activists.

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