JERUSALEM, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- An Israeli helicopter gunship fired two missiles at a car in the Gaza Strip Tuesday evening in an assassination attempt of Hamas militants.
The Ha'aretz news service said the Israeli Defense Force confirmed the Hamas militants were the targets of the attack, but both survived. Nine other Palestinians were injured.
Hamas militant Jamal Al-Jarah suffered moderate injuries, and his brother, Rami, was slightly injured. Witnesses said the attack occurred near the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, a Hamas stronghold.
The IDF said the Hamas militants were planning attacks against Israelis and firing Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip.
Israeli security officials have recently said they would halt attacks on Hamas militants as the group appeared to have halted attacks inside Israel. Security officials said the attacks on other groups would continue.
Hamas spiritual leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin on Tuesday evening said Israel would pay a heavy price for Tuesday's assassination attempt. "These massacres and crimes prove that Israel is seeking violence and not looking for peace, security and stability," he said.
