Israeli air strike kills senior Hamas figure

Hamas vowed revenge today after an Israeli air strike killed its second most senior commander, in the latest Israeli assassination targeting the militant group.

An Israeli aircraft fired two missiles last night at a car carrying Adnan al-Ghoul, a founder and the No. 2 figure of Hamas’ military wing. Al-Ghoul, 46, was killed along with Imad Abbas, a lower-ranking militant, the group said.

Al-Ghoul was among Israel’s most-wanted fugitives, and his death dealt a tough blow to Hamas, which is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Israelis during four years of fighting.

Hamas spokesman Musher al-Masri vowed a tough response.

“Hamas retaliation will be painful and the Zionist enemy will regret this awful crime,” he said, surrounded by hundreds of supporters outside the mortuary where al-Ghoul’s body was taken.

Hamas officials said al-Ghoul was a top bomb-maker who masterminded the development of home-made Qassam rockets and anti-tank missiles. Palestinian militants frequently launch the rockets into southern Israel, and Israel recently completed a broad offensive into Gaza aimed at stopping the attacks.

Al-Ghoul had been in hiding for years, avoiding public appearances and media interviews. In a statement, the Israeli army described al-Ghoul as a “leading Hamas figure” responsible for the deaths of dozens of Israelis.

Upon news of al-Ghoul’s death, thousands of angry Hamas supporters took to the streets in several Gaza refugee camps, calling for revenge and chanting anti-Israel slogans.

Last night, Palestinian militants fired up to 15 mortar rounds at the Jewish settlement of Neve Dekalim, damaging four homes, the army said. No injuries were reported.

Despite the calls for revenge, Hamas’ ability to strike back at Israel has been severely weakened by a string of assassinations.

Early this year, Israel killed the group’s spiritual leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and his successor, Abdel Aziz Rantisi.

A top Hamas leader based in Damascus, Syria, was killed in a car bombing last month. Israeli security officials admitted involvement. Most of the Hamas’ leaders in Gaza remain in hiding.

Al-Ghoul’s killing leaves the Hamas military leadership solely in the hands of Mohammed Deif, its long-time chief. Deif, like al-Ghoul, is high on Israel’s wanted list and has been in hiding for years. They both escaped a September 2003 air strike aimed at a gathering of Hamas leaders in Gaza.

Palestinian Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat condemned yesterday’s killing, whichhe said “reflects the determination of the Israeli government to continue the path of military solutions rather than negotiations”.

In the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli tanks and bulldozers moved about 100 yards into the Rafah refugee camp early today, witnesses said.

An Israeli helicopter hovered overhead, firing bursts of gunfire, and Palestinian gunmen returned fire. Israeli military sources confirmed an operation was under way, but declined to give details.

The Rafah camp, located on the Egyptian border, is a frequent flashpoint of violence, and an Israeli soldier was killed in the area yesterday.

Gaza has experienced an upsurge in violence since Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced plans earlier this year to pull out of the volatile area. Both Israel and militants want to claim victory ahead of the withdrawal.

Sharon is planning to present his Gaza withdrawal plan to the Israeli parliament for a vote of approval on Tuesday.