Palestinian terrorists opened fire outside a courthouse in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, killing Hamas member Bassam al-Fara, a judge at the Islamic court.
The drive-by shooting came two days after renewed clashes between the rival Hamas and Fatah factions began, sparked by the murder of the children of a Fatah intelligence officer.
Witnesses said four terrorists shot at al-Fara as he emerged from his car and upon entering the courthouse. Hospital officials said al-Fara's body was riddled with bullets.
Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, condemned the killing.
“This is an ugly crime committed against one of the field commanders of Hamas’ military wing and one of the prominent figures in Hamas,” he said. “Hamas is not going to forget the blood of its members. It is going to pursue and bring those who were involved in today's crime to justice.”
Dozens gathered at the site of the shooting and Palestinian security set up roadblocks. Hamas operatives also set up their own roadblocks throughout town, searching for the gunmen.