Israel launched an airstrike in the Gaza Strip, killing the chief of a militant Palestinian group, the Popular Resistance Committees, and five other people. The strike comes after a series of attacks in Israel left seven dead and 25 injured. The attacks began on a highway near the resort town of Eilat, where gunmen fired on a bus and fired a rocket at a car. Several minutes later, explosives were detonated near a military patrol traveling along the border with Egypt. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the attack “reflects the weakening of Egypt's hold in the Sinai and the broadening of activities by terror elements." Hamas in Gaza denied responsibility, but said it would fight back if Israel attacked it.
