One Hamas-linked judge killed in Gaza

Source: CCTV.com | 12-13-2006 19:37

Gunmen have killed a Hamas-linked Islamic judge and militant commander as he arrived at court early on Wednesday, escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian security officials said Bassam al-Fara, a 30 year old judge at the Islamic court was killed by four gunmen. Al-Fara is a Hamas member and belongs to the largest clan in Khan Younis, a city in the country's south. Witnesses said the four gunmen calmly waited for al-Fara outside the courthouse they ate breakfast at a food stand. Hamas has openly blamed Fatah for the killing.

The drive-by shooting came two days after the killing of the three young children of a Fatah-allied Palestinian intelligence officer. It's sparked renewed conflict between rival Hamas and Fatah factions. Ongoing violence has reduced chances of a unity government.

Editor:Du Xiaodan