Israeli aircraft launched an assault on the radical Islamic Jihad organisation from the skies over Gaza late yesterday and early today, killing the group’s overall commander and eight other members in three strikes.

ISLAMIC Jihad’s most senior commander in the Gaza Strip was killed yesterday by an explosion that tore through his car.

The Palestinians’ ruling Fatah Party has split, with young activists forming their own group for the January parliamentary election.

A defiant Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he would not resign despite the humiliating rejection of his Gaza withdrawal plan, and his allies suggested the veteran tactician will look for ways to override the veto of his Likud Party.