Video shows failed assassination attempt of Palestinian PM

CAIRO – 13 March 2018: Video footage of an explosion that targeted the Palestinian Prime Minister’s convoy in the Gaza Strip Tuesday was circulated on social media hours after the government assured his survival.

The video showed the blast went out upon the entrance of the convoy into the Gaza Strip, where Prime Minister Rami Hamadallah was scheduled to inaugurate a water purification plant.



The blast took place at Salah el-Din Street, northern Gaza Strip, and left seven people injured, according to Reuters.

Fatah, one of the main political factions in Palestine, blamed Hamas for the explosion, according to Fatah’s Spokesperson Osama el-Qawasmy, who said that “Hamas is fully responsible for the cowardly attack that targets the nation, reconciliation and unity.”

Although Chief of Palestinian General Intelligence Maged Farag said it is early to accuse any faction, he blamed Hamas for the attack.


Bomb site in Gaza Strip after explosion hit Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamadallah's convoy Tuesday - Maan news agency

Reuters reported that Prime Minister Hamadallah cut his visit to the rest of the strip following the inauguration of the water plant. He left Gaza under intensive security measures, according to a border official who was quoted by Reuters.

The official said that Rami Hamadallah crossed Erez Crossing towards the Western Bank shortly after a quick visit to the water plant, without meeting any of Hamas’ officials.


A damaged vehicle of the convoy of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah is seen after an explosion in the northern Gaza Strip March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

Erez Crossing is a border crossing on the Israel–Gaza barrier at the northern end of the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cut his official visit to Jordan and will return to Ramallah Tuesday to follow up on the updates of the assassination attempt of the prime minister, according to Senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad.