Ramallah (AsiaNews/Agencies) – PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen, vented anger at Israel during an election rally in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza calling it the 'Zionist enemy".

A few hours before, 11 Palestinians including 9 militants were killed in an Israeli raid in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza, just five days before presidential elections that will determine who will succeed Yasser Arafat as president of the Palestinian National Authority.

"We came to you today," he told thousands of supporters, many armed, "while we are praying for the souls of the martyrs who were killed today by the shells of the Zionist enemy in Beit Lahia."

Unusually harsh words for Mr Abbas, who is considered a moderate, opposed to terrorism, and who is favourably viewed by the US and Israel.

During the rally, Mahmoud Abbas waved the banner of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Fatah's terrorist branch.

His anger stems from what eyewitness in Beit Lahia said was an attack by Israeli tanks launching rockets at a farm where militants were preparing to fire mortars at nearby Israeli targets. An 11-year-old boy was among the Palestinian casualties.

In his speech, Mahmoud Abbas said "he would remain faithful to Arafat principles" and "throw the occupier out of our land." He added: "We know the occupation has destroyed much and killed many, but our commitment will not be broken."

Following the recent violence, Palestinian minister and negotiator Saeb Erakat said "Israel's escalation can undermine the upcoming elections in Palestine".

Despite the violence and its potential repercussions, the latest survey shows that Mahmoud Abbas's lead is widening. A poll for the al-Najah University in Nablus gives the PLO chairman 59 per cent of the vote. Independent candidate Mustafa Barghouti comes in second at 28.5 per cent.

An Israeli official said on condition of anonymity that if Abbas is elected, "he will be judged by his actions, not his words, in providing security and fighting terrorism. (LF)