Gaza conflict: Israel 'targets Hamas leader Deif'
A Hamas official in Cairo said Israel had been targeting Mohammed Deif, the head of its armed wing, BBC News reports. Israel said about 50 rockets had been fired from Gaza on Tuesday and another 20 on Wednesday, although no injuries have been reported. The hostilities resumed hours before a temporary ceasefire was due to expire. Talks in Egypt's capital to end the violence broke up without a deal. Israeli delegates said they would return home. Siren alert It was not known whether Mohammed Deif had survived Tuesday night's attack, although Hamas' exiled deputy leader Mussa Abu Marzuk was quoted as saying in Cairo that two of the victims were his wife and daughter. Mr Deif, accused of ordering suicide bomb attacks in Israel several years ago, has survived a number of assassination attempts, which reportedly left him with severe disabilities. Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Saar told army radio that he was a "legitimate target" and that if an opportunity arose to eliminate him, it should be taken. Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said Israel had opened "the gates of hell" and would pay a heavy price. Israel's security cabinet was due to discuss the renewed violence later on Wednesday.
