 A series of large explosions went off at a Hamas rally in Gaza City on Friday, killing at least 19 Palestinians and wounding 80. Hospital sources said that the dead included two children and several gunmen. The explosions were believed to happen when a pickup truck carrying masked militants and laden with weapons blew up. Palestinian security officials said the blast was apparently caused by the mishandling of explosives.
| [Snicker!] Don'tcha just hate it when that happens? |
But sources in Hamas claimed that an Israeli drone flying over the area fired several missiles at the rally.
| "Yes! Yes! I saw them with my own eyes! They were nuclear missiles!" |
Israel Defense Forces officials denied involvement in the incident, which took place only hours after Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza Strip fired several Qassam rockets at Israel, causing no injuries or damage.
Palestinian sources reported that among the injured was senior Hamas military wing leader Ahmed Randur. Other senior Hamas leaders were reported to have taken part in the rally.
"Ow! Ow! Owwwww!"
"Hold still, effendi! I'll get it out!" |
Witnesses pulled body parts out of a vehicle that appeared to have been destroyed by the blast.
 A large plume of white smoke rose over the large crowd.
During the rally, Hamas paraded with homemade weapons and explosives.
Thousands of Palestinians at the rally, sponsored by the Hamas militant group and attended by some of its top commanders, stormed into the streets of the camp, shouting and carrying the wounded.
| "Remain calm! All is well!" |
The incident took place a day after Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas met with leaders of Palestinian factions in the Strip who agreed to cease holding military parades in Gaza. The decision was due to be implemented as of Saturday.
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