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15:14 GMT
GAZA, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- Israeli Minister of Housing and Construction Zeev
Boim called on the Israeli Defense Forces and security services Sunday to
liquidate the political leaders of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement
(HAMAS) including the sacked prime minister Ismail Haniya.
"Israel needs to talk a combat language to Gaza Strip," Boim said in
statements to Israeli Army Radio (Galei Tzahal).
"The rules of war against its (the strip's) residents must be clearly
understood by all," he underscored.
"All members of HAMAS political leadership are involved in terrorist acts
against Israel ... So they must be liquidated," Boim claimed.
He termed HAMAS leaders in Gaza Strip, on top of who is Haniya, as "heads
of snakes."
Boim made the ferocious remarks following the missile attacks launched last
night by Ezzedeen AL-Qassam Brigades - the armed wing of HAMAS, and other
Palestinian militant groups against Israeli towns near Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Air Force launched air strikes against several areas in the
strip last night and early this morning, killing one Palestinian citizen and
injuring 15 others.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said earlier Sunday his army would
launch secret operations in the Palestinian territories.
Reacting to Boim's threats, Hamas said the recent statements of Israeli
leaders showed "the terrorist nature of the Jewish mentality."
"The Israeli occupation forces are planning for new atrocities against Gaza
Strip," according to a statement issued by spokesman of the sacked HAMAS-led
Palestinian government Fawzi Barhom.
"They are preparing for an ethnic cleansing campaign in order to liquidate
the Palestine cause and reaffirm the concept of the Jewish state," said the
statement of which KUNA received a copy.
Barhom termed the Israeli government a "terrorist institution" which poses
a grave danger not only to the Palestinian people but also to the Middle East
region as a whole.
"The ongoing Israeli military offensive against Gaza Strip and the recent
statements followed the visits to the region by top U.S. officials which
indicated the hypocrisy of the U.S. administration.
"The United States turned to be the sponsor of terrorism and exports
terrorism to all world countries," the statement added.
Borhom urged all Arab and Muslim nations as well as all peace-loving people
across the world to render support to the defenseless Palestinian people. (end)
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