Top official, four others killed in Gaza

GAZA, Sep 15 (Reuters) Gunmen killed a top intelligence official loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and four of his bodyguards in a shooting today near the Gaza home of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, residents said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the drive-by shooting, which killed Colonel Jad Tayeh, a senior official in the General Intelligence service in Gaza, and his men in their car.

Residents said the car was riddled with bullets.

The shooting took place in the Beach refugee camp near Haniyeh's heavily guarded compound.

Gaza has been beset by sporadic bouts of violence between rival factions, including Fatah and the ruling Hamas movement. The General Intelligence service is controlled by Abbas.

There was no suggestion of Israeli involvement.

Haniyeh reached an agreement earlier this week with Abbas on forming a coalition government aimed at ending an international aid embargo and halting violence among Palestinians.

Reuters AB DB1851