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CNN Live Today

Israeli Strike Against Shehade Also Kills Civilians, Baby

Aired July 23, 2002 - 10:58   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Anger on the streets of Gaza. Hamas vows revenge for an Israeli strike that killed a leader of the militant group, and several civilians as well, including a 2-month-old baby. Israel says it regrets the civilian deaths, but it calls the strike last night a success.

Let's get the latest now on the attack and the aftermath. CNN's Mike Hanna checks in now live from Gaza City.

Hello -- Mike.

MIKE HANNA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, there.

Well, at the moment, there are funeral taking place throughout Gaza, funeral processions taking place throughout the city as those killed in the Israeli attack are buried the local cemetery. There's grieving in the streets of Gaza City, but there's deep anger as well.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HANNA (voice-over): In the densely-populated heart of Gaza City, a scene of utter devastation. This, the aftermath of an Israeli F-16 missile strike. The targets, says Israel, a senior leader in the Hamas movement, Salah Shehade. Hamas leaders have confirmed that Shehade is dead. His wife and three of his children are also reported to have been killed. Doctors at the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) hospital say members of Shehade's family are not among the 11 bodies they have identified. Among the dead, though, confirm the doctors are a number of children, at least one of them a baby.

Well over 100 people are reported to be wounded, more than 10 said to be in a critical condition. This man, who is one of the first on the scene, says it was like a horror movie: I saw dead people on the ground, he says. If you saw animals in this state, it would break your heart; so what about when it's human beings?

And others in the crowd, deeply critical of the United States and what they regard as its blind support of Israel: Why is it that anytime anything happens in Israel, America is in an uproar, but when anything happens to Palestinians, the Americans are silent, as if they've taken sleeping pills.

The effect of the blast is widespread. A newly married couple were in this room, half a block away from where the missile struck. They both escaped unharmed.

(on camera): Israel contend Shehade was responsible for numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and describes this operation as one of self-defense. Palestinian leaders insist that nothing can justify so many Palestinian civilians being killed and wounded.

(voice-over): The Israeli prime minister has expressed regret about the loss of civilian life, but describes the killing of the Hamas leader as a major success.

This is not the view from these streets, and with Palestinian militants threatening revenge attacks, it's another major escalation of violence in the region -- threatens.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Some 24 hours ago, Palestinian militants, including members of Hamas, were discussing the possibility of suspending attacks against Israeli civilians within Israel. Any such discussions now blown away by the actions overnight -- Leon.

HARRIS: All right, thank you very much, Mike Hanna, Mike Hanna, reporting live for us from Gaza City.

And Mike, you should know we're just getting word here now that we're going to be arranging a conversation, coming up in just a few moments here, with a spokesman for the Israeli government, Ra'anan Gissin; he will be joining us to give the Israeli government's side of this particular story.

The Bush administration had some strong words about the Israeli action.

And Kelly Wallace checks in from her post at the White House with details on that right now.

Hello -- Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Strong words, indeed, coming from the Bush administration, and some rare criticism of Israel, White House officials calling the Israeli military raid a -- quote -- heavy-handed action.

Ari Fleischer, the president's spokesman, talking to reporters a short time ago, giving the president's reaction. Fleischer said, quote, "The president has said before that Israel has to be mindful of the consequences of its actions to preserve the path to peace. He went on to say, "and the president believes that this heavy-handed action does not contribute to peace. This message will be conveyed to the Israeli authorities," Fleischer said, "and the United States regrets the loss of innocent lives."

Now Fleischer was asked repeatedly during the morning briefing how what Israel is doing differs from the American military's pursuit of terrorists, how the U.S. military from time to time has accidentally killed innocent civilians, as it has gone after al Qaeda and Taliban operatives. Fleischer saying it's inaccurate, to compare the two. He says the U.S. military from time to time due to a mistake in bombing or an errant bomb has accidentally and regrettably killed innocent civilians.

But he said this of the Israeli action. He said -- quote -- "This was deliberate attack on the site, knowing that innocents would be lost in the consequences of the attack."

So some strong words from this administration. And, Leon, you know that this White House has been walking a fine line between supporting Israel, saying Israel has a right to defend itself in this ongoing campaign against terrorism in the Middle East. But also criticizing Israel from time to time. Right now, this administration saying this raid not helpful, that the consequences will be it will move the parties back, and not move them forward on the path to some political solution -- Leon.

HARRIS: Yes, but, Kelli, right now those are words. Are we to expect or to assume that there will be anything else to follow these words coming from the White House.

WALLACE: We are told these strong words will be conveyed to Israeli authorities. When asked how con they will be conveyed, Fleischer said -- quote -- "through normal channels." Through normal diplomatic channels, U.S. officials in Israel likely to talk to Israeli authorities. At this point in time, it does not appear that President Bush or U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will be speaking directly to the Israeli prime minister.

But, Leon, the words coming from this administration accused by many Arab leaders of tilting too much on the side of Israel, these words significant. And the administration trying to use the bully pulpit to get the message to Israel, that it believes in this action, Israel crossed the line -- Leon.

HARRIS: All right, thank you very much, Kelly. Kelly Wallace, reporting from the White House this morning.

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