GAZA CITY Ñ Hamas launched a wave of attacks against Israeli targets
as the movement vowed revenge for the failed assassination attempt of
military wing leader Mohammed Deif.
Palestinian gunners aligned with Hamas fired five mortars toward Israeli
communities in the Gaza Strip over the weekend. Nobody was injured.
Hamas said Deif was lightly injured in an Israeli missile attack on
Thursday. In a statement, the movement said Deif was taken to a hideout in
the Gaza Strip.
Two of Deif's bodyguards were killed in the Israeli attack, launched by
an attack helicopter. Another 25 people were injured.
An Israeli military source said Deif lost one of his eyes in the missile
attack. The source said Deif sustained serious injuries.
On Sunday, Israel's Cabinet convened to discuss the fate of Palestinian
Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, who has been placed under siege in the
West Bank city of Ramallah. The United States has demanded that Israel end
the siege so as not interfere with Washington's efforts to recruit an
international coalition against Iraq.
After the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is scheduled to
leave for Moscow to discuss strategic issues with Russian leaders. Israeli
diplomatic sources said Sharon's talks with Russia will focus on the
transfer of weapons of mass destruction technology to Iran.
During his two-day visit, Sharon will also try to stop a Russian
anti-aircraft missile sale to Syria, the sources said. Sharon is concerned
that Syria will transfer Igla anti-aircraft missiles to Hizbullah.
