Gunmen kill Hamas-linked judge in Gaza

Palestinian gunmen opened fire outside a courthouse in the town of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip today, killing a Palestinian judge affiliated with Hamas, witnesses said.

The drive-by shooting came two days after the killing of the three young children of a Fatah-allied Palestinian intelligence officer, sparking renewed clashes between the rival Hamas and Fatah factions and raising the spectre of a civil war among Palestinians.

Palestinian security officials said the man killed was Bassam al-Fara, 30, a judge at the Islamic court and a Hamas member, who belongs to the largest clan in Khan Younis.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, and no direct accusation has been made.

Witnesses said four gunmen ambushed al-Fara, opening fire as he emerged from his car and began walking into the courthouse. Hospital officials said al-Fara’s body was riddled with several bullets.

Dozens gathered at the point of the shooting and Palestinian security set up roadblocks.

Hamas militants also set up their own roadblocks throughout town, searching for the shooters.