DATE=8/30/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-307008

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: An Israeli air force helicopter has fired missiles at a van in the Gaza Strip, killing two members of the militant Islamic group Hamas. At least nine bystanders were also reported injured in the raid, as Israel stepped its military operations in retaliation for a recent Hamas suicide bombing that killed 20 Israelis. Ross Dunn has details from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Palestinian doctors identified the victims as senior members of the military wing of Hamas, a group that frequently carries out suicide bombings.

The occupants had been traveling in a van on a busy road in central Gaza when they were targeted by Israeli helicopters.

Firefighters and rescue workers evacuated wounded from the burning wreckage of the vehicle. Flames engulfed the van as angry crowds gathered round, yelling God is Great.

The operation was the fifth of its kind in the past 10 days, in which several Hamas members have been killed.

Three Apache helicopters, accompanied by F-16 fighter jets, were seen flying over the Gaza Strip Saturday during the latest strike. (Signed)

NEB/RD/ALW/MEM