The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement's armed wing in Gaza on Thursday vowed revenge for the killing of one of its top militants by Israeli soldiers near the West Bank city of Hebron.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida told Xinhua by phone that "the crime of assassinating one of al-Qassam Brigades leaders will deserve a response."

"Al-Qassam Brigades are having a free hand to respond to this crime by all means the militants in the West Bank find would be possible, even if it will be a martyrdom operation," said Abu Obeida, referring to suicide bombing attacks.

Earlier on Thursday, Israel said it had killed a senior Palestinian commander of Hamas movement's armed wing in a village in the West Bank city of Hebron, adding that the man, 45 years old, is married with three children.

Israel said Abdel Majeed Doudeen, who has been wanted by Israel for 15 years, was killed in a raid in Dora area in southern Hebron. The Jewish state accuses Doudeen for being behind a series of armed and suicide bombing attacks against Israel over the past 15 years and killed dozens of Israelis.

Palestinian witnesses said about 16 Israeli military vehicles were operating in Deir al-Asal neighborhood in Dora near Hebron. Palestinian sources confirmed that three people were arrested in the raid.

Asked if the killing of Doudeen would affect the Cairo-brokered truce talks between Israel and Palestinian Gaza militants led by Hamas, Abu Obeida said "I believe there is no space to talk about a ceasefire as Israel continues its crimes in the West Bank and Gaza."

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2009)