Gaza City, Aug 30 (DPA) Three successive bombs exploded at midnight just outside the ruling Islamic Hamas movement’s security compounds in western Gaza City, witnesses said.
Residents of the western part of the city said that a first, huge explosion was heard near what is known as Ansar security compound. No injuries were reported.
The second explosion was heard about half an hour later from a bomb that exploded near the Gaza residence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which has been seized by Hamas militants.
Hamas security sources said that a third bomb was discovered near what is known as the department for security and protection near the Gaza City seaside. The bomb was defused by Hamas anti-bomb squads.
Following the explosions, Hamas security forces erected checkpoints across Gaza City, stopped cars and prevented journalists from reaching the scene. Police declared western Gaza a closed military zone.
There was no immediate comment by Hamas officials of the Interior Ministry, however, dozens of Hamas security men were seen closing streets and stopping and searching cars.
No one has claimed responsibility for placing the bombs.
Two weeks ago, Hamas security forces killed 24 people, including the political and military leaders of a radical Jihadi Salafi (Sunni Moslems) group alled Ansar Jond Allah (Warriors of Gaza) in a mosque in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
The Al Qaeda inspired group has repeatedly threatened on its website to avenge the deaths of its leaders.
