Palestinian militant leader dies in Jordan hospital

JENIN, West Bank, Aug 30 (Reuters) A senior Palestinian militant leader who was shot by undercover Israeli troops in the West Bank a week ago died today in a hospital in Jordan, representatives of his group said.

Hosam Jaradat, the leader of Islamic Jihad in the town of Jenin, was shot and wounded on August 23 by Israeli troops hiding out in a vehicle, witnesses said at the time. He was taken to hospital, where he was said to be in critical condition.

Islamic Jihad representatives today said he died in hospital in Jordan, but did not provide further details.

Jaradat was a high-profile leader of the group, which has carried out frequent rocket attacks on Israel and also carried out the most recent suicide bombings in the Jewish state. It is officially sworn to Israel's destruction.

REUTERS SY BST1316