We arrived in Israel with important developments in both the northern portion of Israel near the Galilee region and the border with Lebanon, as well as in the Gaza Strip.   Yesterday on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, two katyusha rockets landed in Israel.  This is the first time that rockets have landed in the northern portion of Israel since last year’s war against Hezbollah.  The two katyusha rockets landed in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona but caused no injuries.  Interestingly, Hezbollah immediately denied responsibility for the attacks.  In fact, Hezbollah pointed to the possibility of Palestinian organizations connected with either Hamas or Al-Qaeda as the perpetrators.  Also, the attack took place in an area that is controlled and patrolled by the United Nations interim forces in Lebanon.  I am in the southern portion of Israel today, and the reports I have received from the north are that things are actually quiet and there has been no further agitation. 

In the Gaza Strip, the area continues to be controlled by Hamas.  This is presenting a serious challenge to Israel, as well as other moderate countries in the region.  On Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces distributed food and water to thousands of Palestinians who gathered near the border in the Gaza Strip area. 

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is in New York and stated in a speech yesterday that he will de-freeze monies that were kept under Israeli control that were owned by the Fatah Party.  Fatah is the moderate force in the Gaza and West Bank and is a government controlled by Mahmoud Abbas.  Abbas’s leadership is in question in light of the takeover by Hamas in the Gaza Strip area. 

Last Thursday, a school and convent owned by the Roman Catholic community was ransacked, burned and looted during the school day in the Gaza Strip area.  Although the damage took place last week, it was not reported until today because of the deteriorating situation in the Gaza area.  Crosses were broken, a statute of Jesus was destroyed, and prayer books were actually burnt at the school and convent. 

I have met with officials and security personnel today in the southern portion of Israel, and things are calm here.  For a map of Israel, click here.  For frequent updates and information about this trip, go to the Spotlight section of  the ACLJ website.