Witnesses: Israeli strike kills three in Gaza

An Israeli helicopter fired five missiles at a car in a crowded Gaza City street today, killing three Palestinians, including the bodyguard of a senior Hamas official, witnesses said.

Ismail Abu Shanab, a senior Hamas official, was killed in the Israeli military strike, Hamas sources say.

Paramedics pulled three bodies out of the burning vehicle, witnesses said.

There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military.

In the past, Israel has repeatedly killed wanted Palestinians in targeted missile strikes. It suspended the practice after militants declared a unilateral truce on June 29.

The missile strike came two days after a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up on a Jerusalem bus, killing 20 people.

In June, Israel fired missiles at the car of another Hamas leader, Abdel Aziz Rantisi, who escaped with minor injuries.

Witnesses said the estate car had slowed down to avoid a large stone in the road when the first missile struck its front. A second missile quickly followed, said Naim Shaban, who owns a metal workshop nearby.

“I threw myself under a table in my shop, and the explosions continued,” he said. “Flames were coming from everywhere. When it stopped, I saw one helicopter turning west, towards the sea. I rushed to the car, and saw people burning inside.”

Dozens of Hamas supporters at the scene smeared their fists in blood and soot, raised them in the air and threatened revenge, chanting “God is great”.