Israel succeeded in killing a leading Hamas terrorist leader in Gaza last night with a surgical helicopter missile strike. An Israel Air Force gunship fired air-to-surface missiles at a vehicle, killing Hamas military wing leader Muhammad Halil Samaiya, 30, and wounding six people. Samaiya was responsible for launching Kassam rockets and was involved in other terror attacks. The IDF continues its anti-terror operations in Gaza.
In a related item, Israeli security sources believe that Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal has been quietly relocated from Syria by President Bashar el-Assad and moved to Iran. The decision was apparently made in response to mounting American pressure against Damascus, and because of the fear that Israel would attempt to eliminate Meshal. Israel almost succeeded in killing Meshal in early 1998, but the agents were caught in the act. Meshal was seen this week in Cairo, taking part in talks with the Egyptians about possible upcoming changes in Gaza.
In a related item, Israeli security sources believe that Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal has been quietly relocated from Syria by President Bashar el-Assad and moved to Iran. The decision was apparently made in response to mounting American pressure against Damascus, and because of the fear that Israel would attempt to eliminate Meshal. Israel almost succeeded in killing Meshal in early 1998, but the agents were caught in the act. Meshal was seen this week in Cairo, taking part in talks with the Egyptians about possible upcoming changes in Gaza.