Three Young Children of Hamas Opponent Killed

Palestinian gunmen killed the three young children of a leading enemy of the ruling Islamic Hamas movement today, firing dozens of rounds into their car as it passed through a street crowded with youngsters.

It is believed the assassination target was the children’s father, Baha Balousha, a senior Palestinian intelligence officer. He was not in the car. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility and Hamas has denounced the drive-by attack.

The car was riddled with some 60 bullets by gunmen driving in two vehicles, Palestinian security officials said. Its seats, school bags and a small plastic bag with a sandwich in it were splattered with blood.

Three of Mr Balousha’s children, ranging in age from six to nine, were killed in addition to an adult, hospital officials said. Four more people were wounded in the attack in Palestine Street, lined with nine schools.