| Date | 17 April 2004 |
|---|---|
| Location | Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Palestine |
| Cause | Attacks against Israel |
| Target |   Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi |
| Perpetrator |  Israel Defense Forces |
| Deaths | 3[1] |
On the evening of 17 April 2004, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, aged 56, was assassinated by missiles fired by Israeli warplanes on the car he was traveling in.[2] In addition two of his bodyguards were killed.[1] The operation was considered part of a campaign to eliminate the leaders of the groups fighting in the uprising.[3] The assassination led to widespread condemnation around the world.[4] Hamas spokesman Ismail Haniyeh vowed to avenge the death, saying the sacrifice would not be in vain.[5]
- ^ a b "Sources: New Hamas leader's identity a secret". www.chinadaily.com.cn.
- ^ Urquhart, Conal; Hinsliff, Gaby (18 April 2004). "Israeli missile attack kills new Hamas chief". The Guardian.
- ^ "Israel kills Hamas leader, group promises revenge - Taipei Times". 19 April 2004.
- ^ "Fury as Gaza buries Hamas leader". 19 April 2004 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Iran Report: April 19, 2004". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 11 November 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2024.