31.   Israel said its actions were a response to Palestinian mortar and shooting attacks against Israeli civilians.

32.   Israel said it was retaliating for Palestinian mortar fire.

33.   Israel said it was responding to Palestinian mortar and shooting attacks against Israeli civilians.

34.   It was originally set for Sunday, but Sharon called it off at the last minute because of Palestinian mortar attacks in Gaza.

35.   Jewish settlements in Gaza have been frequent targets of Palestinian mortar attacks, and gunmen often open fire on Israeli vehicles on Gaza roads.

36.   Later, after another Palestinian mortar barrage, Israeli tanks fired two shells at a police station in northern Gaza, destroying it.

37.   Nahal Oz has repeatedly been hit by Palestinian mortars, though no one has been hurt.

38.   On Saturday night, Israel fired two surface-to-surface missiles at a Palestinian police post in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian mortar fire.

39.   On Saturday night, Israel fired two surface-to-surface missiles that destroyed a Palestinian police post in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian mortar fire.

40.   Sharon said in a statement that Israel troops would continue to respond to Palestinian mortar fire and to strike against militants suspected of planning attacks on Israelis.