OCCUPIED TERRIRTORIES: ISRAELI TERROR


Independent: The cry of vengeance

Israel faced a chorus of international criticism yesterday after assassinating Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of Hamas, in a helicopter missile attack which provoked immediate and bloodcurdling vows of vengeance from leaders of Palestinian militant factions.

Sheikh Yassin, regarded as the "spiritual leader" of the organisation which has led the wave of suicide bombings against Israel during the past three and half years of the intifada, was killed instantly by the first of three missiles as he returned home from morning prayers in Gaza City. The White House said the Bush administration was "deeply troubled" by the attack which left at least seven people dead and 18 wounded. Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, was prominent among the many international statesmen who condemned the attack as unjustifiable and unlikely to be effective.

Ariel Sharon, Israel's Prime Minister, called Sheikh Yassin the "mastermind of Palestinian terror" and a "mass-murderer who is among Israel's greatest enemies". Mr Sharon said Israel would not relent in its war on terror, indicating there would be more targeted attacks.