Hamas leader dies in "terror cell' bombing

Backlash at Israel's West Bank drive

- MARTIN FRICKER

A HAMAS commander was killed by Israeli security forces as their West Bank anti-terror operation went into its third day yesterday.

Israel's military said it "struck a terrorist cell" in Jenin as troops began to pull back from the ravaged city of Tulkarm.

International criticism was mounting last night over the operation, including from the UK government.

Israel says it is necessary to crack down on militant groups in the northern West Bank that are growing in potency.

It says roughly 150 attacks have taken place against Israeli forces and civilians in the past year.