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Israel launches Gaza air strikes | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Israel has launched two separate air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing at least five Palestinians, among them a senior member of Islamic Jihad. | |
Three militants were killed in the first attack, which struck a vehicle in Khan Yunis. Four civilians were also hurt, rescue workers said. | |
A spokesman for Islamic Jihad, Abu Ahmed, said one of the dead men was the group's leader in southern Gaza. | A spokesman for Islamic Jihad, Abu Ahmed, said one of the dead men was the group's leader in southern Gaza. |
Hours later, two Palestinians were killed in a second Israeli strike. | |
Speaking after the first air strike, Israel said it had targeted militants who had planned terror attacks. | |
The strike came after a rocket was fired at Israel from Gaza, but landed inside Palestinian territory, Reuters news agency reported. | |
Reuters reported that the killed Islamic Jihad leader was Raed Ghannam, said to be wanted by Israel for rocket and other attacks. | |
"This will not affect Islamic Jihad. We continue our path of resistance until martyrdom or victory," Mr Ahmed said. | "This will not affect Islamic Jihad. We continue our path of resistance until martyrdom or victory," Mr Ahmed said. |
On Wednesday, at least 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids on Gaza City and Khan Yunis. | On Wednesday, at least 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids on Gaza City and Khan Yunis. |
Earlier this month Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, following deadly clashes with the Fatah faction. | Earlier this month Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, following deadly clashes with the Fatah faction. |
The situation led Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the government and declare a state of emergency. | |
Hamas is now in control of Gaza, while Fatah retains control of the West Bank. | Hamas is now in control of Gaza, while Fatah retains control of the West Bank. |