Hamas members in Gaza (Archive photo)
Photo: AP
Senior security officer killed in Gaza blast
Nabil Hudhud, head of security in southern Gaza, dies instantly in blast that ripps through his car; earlier Wednesday, Palestinians say unidentified gunmen, apparently from Fatah, kidnapped then shot three Hamas members, one of whom later died from his wounds
Palestinian sources reported Wednesday that a senior officer of the Palestinian Authority's security forces was killed in a blast that ripped through his car in the southern Gaza Strip.
Nabil Hudhud, head of security in southern Gaza, died instantly in the blast and his bodyguard was seriously injured.
In ongoing violence between rival factions in the Gaza Strip, a Hamas member died Wednesday morning from wounds he sustained after being shot by unidentified gunmen, apparently from Fatah.
The incident took place less than a day after Fatah and Hamas agreed to ease tensions between the organizations during talks initiated by the Egyptians.
The renewed fighting occurred mainly in Khan Younis.
According to Palestinian reports, unidentified gunmen believed to be Fatah members kidnapped three Hamas members belonging to the same family early Wednesday. The gunmen then shot the Hamas members and dumped them at a gas station east of Khan Younis. One Hamas member later died of his wounds.
A short while later gun battles between Fatah and Hamas members erupted in Gaza city; two Hamas members were injured in the fighting. It was also reported that a hand grenade was hurled at the home of Hamas members.
The renewed fighting is expected to affect the scheduled talks between the various Palestinian factions, which were expected to commence Thursday under the auspices of Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
The family of the Hamas member who was killed, as well as the terror organization itself, vowed to retaliate.
