Two militants in Gaza wounded by 'mysterious' explosion at a military site

At least two militants in Gaza were wounded during an explosion at a military site belonging to a local armed group in the area, Palestinian security and medical sources said on Wednesday. 

Speaking to The New Arab, medical sources said that at least two individuals, one in critical health conditions, were transferred to the Khan Younis-based hospital to receive treatment. 

Local eyewitnesses said that they heard a large explosion in Khan Younis city. Initially, they thought that an Israeli warplane attacked the area, but later they realized it was an explosion at the site. 

The Hamas-run interior ministry said in a press statement that "the explosion took place in a military site of a resistance faction," without referring to their identities. 

"Our security teams are following up on the reasons and effects of the explosion," Iyad al-Bozzum, the ministry spokesperson, said in a press statement. 

From time to time, the 15-year Israeli-blockade coastal enclave witnesses "accidental explosions" at the military sites belonging to the local armed groups, mainly Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements. 

The armed factions confirmed that these incidents came during attempts to develop their military capabilities and strengthen their operations, without mentioning the number of victims or their identities. 

At least 35 militants were killed in these "mysterious" incidents between 2017 and 2021, according to a report issued by the Gaza-based Al-Quds Center for Studies in late 2021.