original_query: What is the significance of the 2008 rocket and mortar attacks on Israel?
query: What is the significance of the 2008 rocket and mortar attacks on Israel?
answer: The 2008 rocket and mortar attacks on Israel, primarily launched by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups from the Gaza Strip, represented a significant escalation of violence.  The attacks caused casualties and damage, impacting Israeli civilian populations.  The high number of attacks, exceeding those of the previous year, led to a six-month ceasefire in June 2008, but sporadic attacks continued. This period of increased rocket fire created heightened tensions between Israel and Palestine.