Israeli Helicopter Strike Kills Hamas Leader in Gaza, Escalating Violence

The Israeli military conducted a helicopter strike that killed Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi, a prominent Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, just a few hours after a Palestinian suicide bomber detonated himself in an industrial area near the Israeli border. The bombing killed one Israeli security worker and wounded three others. The strike marked a significant escalation in violence in the region, with Palestinians responding with street protests and vows of revenge.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israeli strike killed Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi, a 56-year-old Hamas leader who had become a prominent figure in the group after the death of Sheik Ahmed Yassin.
• Dr. Rantisi was traveling in a white sedan in Gaza City when two Israeli missiles struck the vehicle, killing him and two bodyguards.
• The strike came just three days after President Bush met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the White House, where he expressed support for Sharon's plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas has carried out about half of the more than 100 Palestinian suicide bombings in the past three and a half years, and has rejected any compromise with Israel.
• The group's leader, Khaled Mashaal, survived a failed attack by Israeli agents in 1997 and has called for Israel's destruction.
• Israeli officials claimed that the strike was a legitimate act of self-defense, citing Dr. Rantisi's position as a top Hamas leader.

Statistics:

• 100+ Palestinian suicide bombings in the past three and a half years, with Hamas responsible for around half of them.
• 3 and a half years of Middle East fighting have seen a significant increase in violence.
• 2 Israeli security workers killed in the bombing, with 3 others wounded.
• 4 Palestinian suicide bombers have detonated themselves in Israel in the past few weeks, including Fadi Al-Amoudi, the bomber identified by Hamas.

Sources:

• "News Analysis" page 6
• Statement by Ismail Haniya, another Hamas leader
• Statement by Gideon Meir, deputy director general of Israel's Foreign Ministry
• Interview with Ahmed Qurei, Palestinian prime minister
• Statement by Scott McClellan, White House spokesman
• Interview with Khaled Mashaal, Hamas leader