Israel Assassinates More Hamas Activists & Sharon Plans Gaza Offensive

25/06/2002| IslamWeb

HIGHLIGHTSIsrael Kills 8 Palestinians Including 2 Policemen||Hebron Under Curfew||Hamas Renews Threats Against Israel|| STORY: Israeli occupation forces killed eight Palestinians, including two policemen early Tuesday, during their latest incursion into Palestinian territory, and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed to wage a "massive campaign" against Resistance groups in Gaza.

The two Palestinian policemen were killed when Israeli occupation troops stormed the Palestinian government headquarters in the West Bank city of Hebron, Palestinian security officials said. Eight other policemen were wounded .

The Israeli occupation army said its soldiers entered Hebron to operate against the "terrorist infrastructure" there. A military statement said a "large number" of suspects had been arrested. Also, occupation soldiers claimed to have discovered an explosives laboratory. Residents said occupation soldiers declared a curfew over the city.

Six other Palestinians were killed by helicopter missile strikes Monday, including four members of the militant group Hamas, the group said. Israel said a senior Hamas activist was among those killed. (Read photo caption)

"We are preparing massive activity against Hamas in the Strip," Sharon said, adding that it had begun with the Israeli helicopter missile strikes on two cars Monday morning in the southern Gaza Strip. He did not say what might follow.

Six Palestinians were killed in the missile strikes in Rafah and five Palestinians were injured. Four of the dead belonged to Hamas, the militant group said.

Israel said it targeted and killed Yasser Rizik, a "senior Hamas activist" who was allegedly behind a January attack that killed four Israeli soldiers.

After the missile strike, Hamas renewed its threats against Israel as Israeli and Palestinian authorities cracked down on the group, which has carried out scores of suicide bombings against Israelis.

PHOTO CAPTION

Palestinian police officers search the wreckage of a taxi that was hit by Israeli helicopter rockets, killing six Palestinians, in Rafah refugee camp southern Gaza Strip, Monday June 24, 2002. ( AP Photo/ Hatem Mouss