An Israeli warplane fired missiles at a house in Gaza City Saturday, wounding the spiritual leader of Hamas. At least 15 others were injured in the attack.
The founder of Hamas and its spiritual head, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, narrowly escaped being killed in the Israeli operation.
He was one of several Hamas leaders being treated for light wounds after Israeli missiles struck a third floor apartment in Gaza City. One of the missiles tore a large hole in the ceiling of the apartment.
Sheik Yassin is the highest ranking Hamas official to be targeted by Israel.
In the past three weeks, Israeli planes have killed at least 12 members of the group. Five Palestinian bystanders were killed in the attacks.
Israel launched the attacks following a Hamas suicide bombing on a bus in Jerusalem August 19 that killed 21 Israelis. The Israeli cabinet vowed to hunt down and assassinate Hamas leaders and activists in retaliation for the bombing.