Israel killed a senior Hamas leader in an air attack on his home yesterday, striking its first deadly blow against the top ranks of the Islamist group in a Gaza offensive that has claimed more than 400 Palestinian lives.

Nizar Rayan, widely regarded as one of Hamas's most hardline political leaders, had advocated renewing suicide bombings inside Israel. Hamas police said another six Palestinians, including members of Rayan's family, were killed in the bombing.

Many Hamas leaders are in hiding, anticipating assassination attempts by Israel, whose military confirmed the air strike. Hamas Radio said Rayan rejected Hamas advice to leave his house.