Israeli missile strike hits
arms factory, security HQ

GAZA — Israel has damaged a military factory of the Palestinian Authority in a missile attack on a Gaza City building.

Palestinian sources said the Saraya building in Gaza City contained PA security installations, including a factory that produced mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. The sources said the factory was damaged during an Israeli anti-tank missile attack on Thursday. The sources said the factory was the main target of the attack.

The Gaza building also contained both the headquarters of PA General Intelligence as well as that of the ruling Fatah militia. Palestinian sources said 20 Palestinians were hurt in the Israeli attack. The sources said a PA colonel was severely injured.

The Israeli attack came in response to a Palestinian bombing near the terminal that killed two Romanian laborers who worked for the military. The laborers were fixing a portion of the fence that separated Israel from Gaza. An Israeli military source said the attack on Gaza reflects a new policy directed by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz. The policy is meant to maintain pressure on PA interests.

"This is part of the battle," Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said. "We are talking of a long and tough battle that requires patience and tenacity." Outside the southern Gaza town of Rafah near the Egyptian border, Israeli and Palestinian forces clashed on Thursday evening. PA forces fired 20 rocket-propelled grenades at Israeli tanks and positions.

On early Friday, two Israeli soldiers were injured in a Palestinian grenade attack near Khan Yunis.