Palestinian terrorists fired rockets into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip today wounding seven Israelis, one seriously. As Palestinian elections draw closer, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have increased terrorist activity against Israel despite attempts to prevent violence before and during the election process.

The favorite in the January 9th elections, Mahmoud Abbas, had previously called for a cessation of violence and terror against Israel, saying it was counterproductive to obtaining a Palestinian state. Recently, however, Abbas indicated he would not oppose 'militant' groups and that it was even the duty of Palestinian security forces to protect them. Yesterday, Abbas referred to Israel as 'The Zionist Enemy' after a retaliatory attack killed seven Palestinians, most of them terrorists.

Hamas claimed repsonsibility for the rocket fire while Islmaic Jihad and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed repsonsibility for a lone gunman who was killed by Israeli forces as he tried to attack Israelis at the Eretz Crossing.

Some believe the tough talk by Abbas is just rhetoric to increase his credibility on the Palestinian street. Prior to the election campaign, Abbas was thought of as a businessman and a confidant of late Fatah leader Yasser Arafat but had little popularity among the average Palestinian.

If Abbas truly wants to negotiate with Israel, he will need to be able to control terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad or at least get them to agree to stop attacks that would undermine the peace process.

Abbas is the overwhelming favorite for the Palestinian Authority president's post when elections take place this Sunday. Most polls have him receiving over 60 percent of the vote in a field of six candidates.