Top Hamas Leader Killed in Missile Strike

JERUSALEM, April 17 - An Israeli helicopter strike on Saturday night killed the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Abdel Aziz Rantisi, hospital officials in Gaza City said. Dr. Rantisi assumed the post just last month after a similar attack killed the group's founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin.

More: The killing of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi in an Israeli air strike is particularly significant; it follows a recent shift by the United States that took Washington nearer to Israel's position on the occupation of Palestinian territories. With Israel pledging continued attacks against Palestinian leaders, the killing of al-Rantissi will be perceived as an act sanctioned by the United States, following Washington's April 14 policy announcement. That increases even further the risk of militant strikes against U.S. targets.

The Arab League has condemned the killing of Hamas official Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, calling the April 17 assassination by Israel an act of "state terrorism" and saying, "This is clear proof that Israel cannot live in a climate of stability."

Palestinian minister Saeb Erekat has condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi, who said he believes Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat may also be a target for Israel. Al-Rantissi was killed, reportedly along with his wife and son, in an April 17 helicopter missile strike.