The Palestinian interior minister, Said Siyam of Hamas, pledged that the new government will pacify the chaotic Gaza Strip after a weekend of deadly violence between rival groups, but he appealed for patience.

Hamas says it has completed the formation of its government without bring in moderate parties, a step that looked likely to only increase the chances of international isolation.

The Israeli army went into action tonight after being ordered by the government to assassinate Palestinian terror leaders.

Israel’s security cabinet today approved an army plan to intensify targeted killings of Palestinian militants, including leaders, and send more troops into the Gaza Strip for ground operations.

ISRAEL Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his stunned Likud Party yesterday he plans to dismantle settlements in the Gaza Strip, turning it into a Jewish-free zone.