Hamas operative killed in Gaza blast

Explosives-rigged car detonates prematurely; IDF not involved.

torched car 88 (photo credit: )
torched car 88
(photo credit: )
A Hamas operative was killed when his car exploded Tuesday evening in northern Gaza, and at least two passersby wounded, officials said. The blast scattered debris and body parts up to 200 meters. Security officials identified the dead man as Hamza Muhrab, a 21-year-old member of Hamas' military wing. IDF officials denied any involvement in the blast, raising the suspicion that the explosion may have been caused by a bomb detonating prematurely, or the result of rivalry between Hamas and Fatah. The car was traveling on a road between Abbas' residence and the offices of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.