Special to WorldTribune.com

JERUSALEM — Israel has reported an increase in Palestinian attacks.

The Israel Security Agency cited a sharp increase in Palestinian strikes
in August.

ISA said the attacks included rocket and other enemy
operations from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

“August 2013 saw an increase in the number of terror attacks,” ISA said, “99 attacks as opposed to 82 in July.”

In a statement on Sept. 3, ISA said the main increase in attacks stemmed from the West Bank. The agency cited 68 attacks in August compared to 50 during the previous month. Most of the attacks consisted of firebombs.

The report was issued in wake of the arrest of Hamas operatives charged with plotting mass-casualty attacks in Israel. Officials said Hamas, aided by other Palestinian factions, sought to sustain an insurgency campaign in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

ISA said the level of attacks from the Gaza Strip and Egypt remained
steady. In Jerusalem, 26 attacks were reported in August compared to 25
during the previous month.

“An unusual event was the launching of rockets — Aug. 22 — from
Lebanon towards Israel, no casualties,” the agency said.

  Gaza Strip, Israel Security Agency, Sinai insurgency spurred increase in August attacks on Israel, Sinai Peninsula, West Bank