Palestinians call for revenge after security chief's death
Hundreds of Palestinian gunmen have converged on a hospital in Gaza after a top security commander was killed.
A total of 23 other Palestinians also died in the Israeli raids in the West Bank and Gaza.
As news of Major General Ahmed Mefraj's death spread, the gunmen converged on the hospital where his body was taken, firing rifles in the air and calling for revenge against Israel.
The attacks came after a Palestinian terrorist gunned down five young Israelis as they studied the Bible at a Jewish settlement.
At least twenty Palestinians died in the Israeli attacks in Gaza, including the deputy commander of public security, the highest ranking Palestinian officer to be killed in months of violence. He was killed with a bodyguard when his car was hit by a tank shell.
The violence surged again just as George W Bush said he was sending his envoy back to the region in an attempt to stop the escalating clashes.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders have welcomed the US President's decision to send Anthony Zinni back to the region. Mr Sharon's office said: "Prime Minister Ariel Sharon values and appreciates the work of General Zinni and the efforts he has made in halting the violence, terror and incitement."
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the Bush administration had reached the conclusion that Mr Sharon's policies were leading to "more bloodshed and deterioration." He hoped Mr Zinni would bring a "concrete plan" to carry out plans for a truce and resumption of peace talks.
Meanwhile, Hamas has claimed responsibility for an attack on a high school late yesterday in the Jewish settlement of Atzmona in southern Gaza. It said the gunman was a 19-year-old from Gaza City.
He opened fire with an assault rifle and threw grenades at the school that combines religious studies and military training, the army said. Four young Israelis were killed and 20 wounded, five seriously. One of the injured later died in hospital.
