MIDDLE EAST:Israel launched an air strike on the home of a senior politician of the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza City yesterday, killing eight Palestinians and wounding 12.
The strike came as Israel threatened to increase its attacks on Gaza after a sixth day of air strikes failed to stop militants firing rockets at Israel.
The Hamas source said Khalil al-Hayya, a senior figure in the movement, was not at home and was safe, but family members were feared to be among those killed.
Israeli missiles also killed three people in a car and destroyed two buildings, which the Israeli army claimed were used to produce and store rockets. Palestinians fired at least 10 rockets from Gaza, causing slight injuries and minor damage to property.
Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, told a weekly cabinet meeting: "If the measured steps we are taking, in the political and military sphere, do not bring about the desired calm, we will be forced to intensify our response."
Israel's extra measures could include the assassination of Hamas leaders or a deeper invasion of Gazan territory. Israeli armour and troops have already moved a short distance into the Gaza Strip. At the same meeting, Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of the right-wing National Union party, said that if Hamas were not dismantled then the government would have to be dismantled.
Hamas began launching rockets at the Israeli town of Sderot and its environs last week in what appeared to be a crude attempt to invite Israeli attacks to end Palestinian factional fighting which left 50 dead.
The rockets have caused damage to buildings and some injuries but have not killed anyone. Many of the 20,000 residents of the town have fled.
The rockets are made using basic materials and a warhead of 10kg of TNT. They can be destructive but are very difficult to aim. They have been landing for five years but the government has moved very slowly to protect the residents of Sderot, with enforced rooms and bomb shelters.
A ceasefire between Fatah and Hamas appeared to be holding in Gaza last night. Gunmen pulled out of buildings they had occupied in the past week and shops and schools reopened.
The ceasefire was the fifth attempt by mediators to bring an end to the fighting and it is not clear if it will endure.