Post by Salem6 on Feb 2, 2004 10:16:54 GMT
A suspected local leader of Islamic Jihad is reportedly among four people killed during an Israeli raid in Gaza.
Palestinian witnesses and medical staff said Yasser Abu al-Aesh was shot in a firelight with Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli army said suspects threw grenades and shot at troops as they tried to make arrests during the pre-dawn raid on a house in Rafah.
The army said three gunmen were shot, while locals said a civilian was also killed during the incursion.
The troops, who had been supported by helicopters, later withdrew from the area.
More than 2,600 Palestinians and at least 875 Israelis have died since the outbreak of the Palestinian uprising in September 2000.