Israeli forces killed a senior Hamas militant in a missile strike in northern Gaza on Thursday, just two days before Secretary of State Colin Powell was to arrive in the region for talks on a new peace plan. Israeli helicopters fired three missiles at a car driven by Iyad al-Beack, 30, killing him and slightly wounding three bystanders. Two missiles hit Al-Beack’s car and the third landed in the street. Hamas officials identified Al-Beack, 30, as a former assistant to the commander of the Hamas military wing, Salah Shehadeh. Al-Beack was responsible for hiding militants, Hamas officials said. The Israeli army, which confirmed the strike, said al-Beack was responsible for 16 attacks in which 19 Israelis were killed. The army said al-Beack had links to al-Qaida and was planning more attacks against Israelis. Full Story