Gunmen attack convoy of Hamas official in Gaza

GAZA, Dec 17 (Reuters) Gunmen attacked a convoy carrying Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar, a Hamas member, in Gaza today, security sources said.

Aides said Zahar was unharmed and there were no immediate reports of any other injuries. Bursts of gunfire continued after the initial attack as rival gunmen faced off, witnesses said.

Security has declined sharply in Gaza in the past week, with militants loyal to Hamas and to its rival movement Fatah carrying out a series of attacks.

Three children of an intelligence officer regarded as close to President Mahmoud Abbas, the head of Fatah, were shot dead last week, and the convoy of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, came under last Thursday.

Abbas made a call yesterday for new elections in an attempt to overcome a political impasse with Hamas. The decision has enraged Hamas and its armed wing, which has vowed that new elections will be blocked.

Gunmen dressed in Hamas-style uniforms attack a training camp for Abbas's special guards in Gaza today morning killing one officer and wounding five. But a Hamas spokesman denied the group's armed wing was involved.

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