Gaza City, June 10: Israel targeted a Hamas leader, Abdel Aziz Rantisi, in a missile strike today and injured him in the leg, doctors said. Two dozen people were hurt. The missile strike jeopardized efforts to persuade militant groups, including Hamas, to halt attacks on Israelis. It also appeared to violate the spirit of a US-backed peace plan, as part of which Israel promised to refrain from actions that undermine trust.

There was no immediate Israeli comment.

Hamas quickly threatened revenge. "This crime will not pass," said Mahmoud Zahar, another Hamas leader. He said there would be more attacks on Israelis. "Israel can expect severe punishment for this crime," he said.
The incident began when three Israeli Apache helicopter gunships appeared over Gaza City before noon today, and fired at least seven missiles toward Rantisi's jeep Pajero in a crowded thoroughfare. Rantisi's vehicle burst into flames and was quickly reduced to a scorched heap of metal.


Palestinian doctors said Rantisi was injured in the leg, and was undergoing an operation at Gaza City's Shifa hospital. Initial reports of one man having been killed could not be confirmed. A total of 25 people were wounded, including three of Rantisi's bodyguards and Rantisi's son, said Dr. Moawiya Hassanain, director of Shifa hospital.

The Israeli missile strike came as Egypt was making a renewed effort to persuade Hamas and other militant groups to halt attacks on Israelis. The Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, was to meet with Hamas leaders in Gaza tomorrow but it was not clear whether the talks would be held as planned.
Bureau Report