Palestinian PM targeted in Gaza explosion

World
Europe

An explosion targeted the convoy of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Tuesday as he arrived in the Gaza Strip for a rare visit.

According to AFP, seven people sustained light injuries, while Hamdallah was unhurt in the blast, which took place shortly after his convoy entered the territory controlled by the Islamic Hamas movement.

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah attends the inauguration ceremony of a waste treatment plant after an explosion targeted his convoy, in the northern Gaza Strip. /Reuters Photo

Hamdallah, accompanied by Palestinian Intelligence Chief Majid Faraj, visited Gaza to overlook the opening of a desalination plant there.

There is no immediate claim of responsibility so far, but Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesperson, held Hamas responsible for the blast, saying it is "an attack on the unity of the Palestinian people".

Palestinians inspect the site of an explosion that targeted a convoy that was carrying Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, in the northern Gaza Strip. /Reuters Photo

According to Hamas-run Interior Ministry's spokesperson Iyad Al-Bozom, the convoy went on to reach its destination safely after the explosion and an investigation into the incident was underway.

Top image: The convoy of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah leaves after it was targeted by an explosion, in the northern Gaza Strip. /Reuters Photo

(With input from Xinhua)