Israel has killed the military leader of the Palestinian group, Hamas. Egypt has condemned the attack and recalled its ambassador to Israel.

The Arab League has said it will discuss the matter at a special meeting to be held later this week, while the Gulf state of Qatar said the attack should not pass without punishment.

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has called for an end to the violence.

Jeremy Bowen considers the possible consequences of the air strike across the region and why Israel acted now.