Senior Hamas leader decapitated in missile strike

An Israeli helicopter fired five missiles at a car carrying a senior Hamas leader in Gaza City today, killing him and two of his bodyguards.

Ismail Abu Shanab was decapitated by the strike, and 15 bystanders were wounded, including women and children, hospital officials said.

The missile attack came two days after a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up on a Jerusalem bus, killing 20 people.

Abu Shanab’s estate car was slowing down to avoid a large stone in the road when the first missile crashed into it, witnesses said.

A second quickly followed, said Naim Shaban, who owns a metal workshop nearby.

“I threw myself under a table in my shop, and the explosions continued,” he said. “Flames were coming from everywhere. When it stopped, I saw one helicopter turning west, towards the sea. I rushed to the car, and saw people burning inside.”

Three scorched bodies were pulled from the burning car. Two were identified as bodyguards, and it appeared Abu Shanab had been decapitated by the strike.

Dozens of Hamas supporters at the scene smeared their fists in blood and soot before raising them in the air and vowing revenge, chanting “God is great.”

There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military.

In the past, Israel has repeatedly killed wanted Palestinians in targeted missile attacks. Israel had suspended the practice after militants declared a unilateral truce on June 29.

Earlier that month, Israel fired missiles at the car of another Hamas leader, Abdel Aziz Rantisi, who escaped with minor injuries.