The Palestinian Authority said the Israeli killing of a hardline faction leader today "opens the door to all-out war".
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The Palestinian leadership declared three days' official mourning after Israeli missiles killed Mr Abu Ali Mustafa, head of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in his Ramallah office earlier today.
"By this aggression the Israeli government is opening the door to all-out war without any deterrence or taboos for red lines, and without any consideration of the international community's condemnation," a statement said.
The Israeli army confirmed it had killed Mr Mustafa, blaming him for a string of car bombings and shooting attacks against Israelis.
The Palestinian Authority has accused US President Mr George W. Bush of turning a blind eye to Israel's controversial "hunt-and-kill" policy, despite official US condemnation.
"Israel carried out the assassination with a green light provided by the US administration, through its bias and support for the policy of [Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon and by refusing to send international protection for our people," it said.
It said the latest strike "will plunge the whole region into a cycle of blood and violence".
AFP