Israel blasts targets in Gaza to retaliate for morning attack

Israeli and Palestinian sources said attack helicopters and navy gunboats fired around 30 missiles at targets near Palestinian President Yassir Arafat's sea-side office and the headquarters of his Fatah faction.

The offices of one of Arafat's security apparatus was also apparently targeted, as was one of the headquarters of Force 17, an elite Palestinian unit which guards Arafat. Reports also said a camp of armed Fatah militia near Khan Yunis was hit, as was a police training camp and offices of Palestinian intelligence.

Missiles also hit Palestinian television ground and satellite facilities. Israel Radio, quoting military sources, said the helicopters blasted nine targets in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinians said 35 people were wounded in the attacks. The attack came hours after the Israeli inner cabinet vowed to retaliate for the attack Monday morning when an explosive device hit an Israeli bus carrying schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip.

Israel blamed the Palestinian Authority and Fatah for the attack and Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh said the Israeli action was a message to the Palestinian military leadership.

Palestinians denied Fatah was involved in the attack on the school bus.

(klei/dpa)