GAZA, Feb 11: Israeli jets struck a security compound in the Gaza Strip on Monday in retaliation for what the army said was the Palestinians’ first use of a new rocket that could open a deadlier stage in a 16-month-old conflict.

The raid followed increased pressure from right-wing cabinet members on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to topple Yasser Arafat after the army said two Qassam-2 rockets, made by the Hamas, slammed into southern Israel on Sunday.

At least 37 people were hurt and a prison housing Palestinians was hit in the second air strike on Gaza City in two days, touching off clashes between police and protesters demanding the detainees be freed for their own protection.—Reuters