Hamas leaders could be targets - Israel

JERUSALEM, June 10 (Reuters) Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz today raised the possibility of renewing attacks on Hamas leaders after the Islamic militant group announced an end to a 16-month-old ceasefire.

Asked by reporters at a base in southern Israel about targeting Hamas officials, Peretz said: ''We will definitely act against any organisation or element that is planning operations. No one has an insurance policy. No one endangering Israelis can turn his name or title into an insurance policy.'' Hamas, which now heads the Palestinian government, renewed cross-border rocket attacks after seven people were killed on a Gaza beach yesterday during an Israeli artillery barrage in an area used by launching squads. Peretz said an army investigation into the incident would be completed in a day or two.

Reuters SI RS2355