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Qurei warns Israel of retaliation

RAMALLAH, SEPT. 7. The Palestinian Prime Minister, Ahmed Qurei, warned Israel that its air strike today that killed 14 Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip would invite a response from the group, adding that any retaliation for the killings will be justified.

``No crime goes unpunished,'' Mr. Qureia said at a meeting of the Palestinian Cabinet. ``For sure there will be retaliation and the retaliation will be justified.''

The Israeli helicopter attack on a Hamas training field in Gaza City was one of the deadliest air strikes on militants since fighting broke out four years ago.

The attack came a week after Hamas suicide bombers blew up two buses in the Israeli city of Beersheba, killing 16 persons. Mr. Qurei said the attack hindered Egypt's efforts to help bring peace to the region.

Most or all of the casualties belonged to the Palestinian group, Hamas. In a statement, the Israeli military said the air force targeted a field used by Hamas for training.

Hamas threatened to hit back. Angry militants gathered at the hospital, some with blood on their clothes from carrying victims, shouted, ``Revenge, revenge.''

The Israeli statement listed events that it said took place at the field in recent days, including assembly of a large bomb and a suicide bomber's vest, practice in hijacking vehicles and training in preparing and firing mortars and rockets. — AP

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