Israel targets Hamas chief

ISRAEL tried to kill the public face of Hamas yesterday, wounding Palestinian militant Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi in a helicopter strike that brought swift calls for revenge and may shatter a US-backed peace plan.

Witnesses said two helicopter gunships fired seven missiles that set Mr Rantissi’s car ablaze in Gaza City, killing two people and wounding about 20.

Mr Rantissi leaped clear just in time and later vowed from his hospital bed to continue attacks on Israel.