Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 25, 2007

Israeli Air Strikes on Gaza Continue as Palestinians Respond
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=179BCB2:A6F02AD83191E1602564C9D22AD46D6A9574F7DCC14957C0 At least 10
wounded; Israeli military says targets included command centers,
weapons factories and a money changer Israel has launched another wave
of air strikes on the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip, wounding at least
10 people. Palestinian militants responded by firing more rockets
across the border. Robert Berger reports from the VOA bureau in
Jerusalem.







Palestinians clean rubble at damaged money changing office following
Israeli air strike in Gaza City, 25 May 2007Israeli aircraft attacked
targets of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad group across Gaza. The military
said the targets included command centers, weapons factories and a
money changer. One missile landed near the home of Palestinian Prime
Minister Ismail Haniyeh, but he was not hurt.

The army denied that Mr. Haniyeh was the target, but Israel has
threatened to assassinate him and other Hamas political and military
leaders in response to a wave of Palestinian rocket attacks.

Palestinians have fired more than 160 homemade Qassam rockets at
Israel over the past 10 days, and they keep coming despite the air
strikes. But Israeli spokesman Mark Regev believes the air campaign is
slowly bearing fruit.

"I think the understanding is that by these sort of operations we are
limiting and preventing them from launching Qassam rockets against our
civilian population," he said.

Moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who shares power in a
coalition government led by Hamas, condemned the rocket attacks.

Mr. Abbas described the attacks as "pointless and needless." He said
they must be stopped in order reach a ceasefire with Israel.

But Hamas rejected the demand, saying rockets will be fired as long as
what it described as "Zionist aggression" continues.

The internal dispute over the rocket attacks underscores the deep
differences among Palestinians over how to proceed in the struggle
with Israel. The moderates, led by Mr. Abbas, seek a negotiated
settlement. But the militants, led by Hamas, believe the only way to
achieve a Palestinian state is through jihad, or holy war.


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