[1] In the midst of Palestinian factional violence, both the Islamic Jihad and the Fatah-affiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed joint responsibility.

Israeli Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter stated that the bomber infiltrated Israel from Egypt, echoing conclusions of the other intelligence agencies.

[citation needed] The suicide bomber possibly entered Egypt through a tunnel across the Philadelphi Corridor, and was then driven to the Egyptian/Israeli border, which he crossed on foot some 30 km from Eilat.

[citation needed] After infiltrating Israel on 29 January 2007, Saqsaq made his way to Eilat, and when he was in the Simchon neighborhood, he hitched with an Israeli man who was senior officer in the IDF reserves, Lt. Col. Yossi Waltinsky.

Meanwhile, Saqsaq, who wore a long black winter coat on a warm sunny day, soon approached a small bakery.

[8] Although it was the first suicide bomb to hit the city which is a quiet Red Sea holiday resort,[9] through the years there have been other acts of terror committed near Eilat.