An Israeli helicopter killed an Hamas member and injured at least three other people today in a missile strike in the Gaza Strip, officials and witnesses said.
A helicopter fired at least one missile into a suburb of Khan Younis, a town near Gaza's southern border with Egypt, a Palestinian security official said.Witnesses said Israeli jets had been flying over the area for about half an hour before the attack.
The official identified the dead man as Hamdi Kalkha (23). Three others werewounded he said, confirming reports from medical officials.
Hamas supporters speaking by telephone confirmed that Kalkha was a member ofthe group's military wing. The Israeli army had no immediate comment.
A witness, Mr Mamoun Salah (42) said he had been walking toward his home in KhanYounis when the rocket struck about 100 yards away.
"A big explosion went off at the side of the street. I saw a man completelyburned fall off the donkey cart he was driving," Mr Salah said.
PA