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Israel launches Gaza air strikes Israel launches Gaza air strikes
(about 3 hours later)
Israel has launched two separate air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing six Palestinians, among them a senior member of Islamic Jihad. Israel has launched three separate air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing six Palestinians, including a senior member of the Islamic Jihad militant group.
Three militants were killed in the first attack, which struck a vehicle in Khan Yunis. Four civilians were also hurt, rescue workers said.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, three Palestinians were killed in a second Israeli strike.Hours later, three Palestinians were killed in a second Israeli strike.
The second air strike hit a metal workshop in Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, killing three Palestinians, including the owner, and wounding two other people, medics said. That air strike hit a metal workshop in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza.
The owner was among the dead and two other people were wounded, medics said.
The third strike targeted the same workshop, Palestinian witnesses said, and at least four people were injured.
Rocket fire
Speaking after the first air strike, Israel said it had targeted militants who had planned terror attacks.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. 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. The dead Islamic Jihad leader was Raed Ghannam, said to be wanted by Israel for rocket and other attacks, the agency said.
"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 its rival Fatah faction.
The situation led Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to dissolve the government and declare a state of emergency. The situation led Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also the Fatah leader, to dissolve the national unity 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.