Israeli forces killed Abu Ali Mustapha, the acting leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization, late this morning. This marked the highest-ranking Palestinian political and military leader killed by Israel in its long war against terrorism in many years. Two missiles were fired at his office in Ramallah, close to Arafat\'s offices. Several Arabs were injured. Mustapha was responsible for dozens of attacks against Israeli, the last of which was the carbomb in Jerusalem last week that did not cause any casualties.

Environment Minister Tzachi Hanegbi said that Israel\'s policy is totally one of self-defense, and that even if this could be considered an escalation, \"the Palestinians would be well-advised to take the hint.\"