Palestinian group takes credit for killing Arafat's media czar

GAZA — A Palestinian group has claimed responsibility for gunning down a close associate of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

The Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigade has taken credit for Wednesday's assassination of Hisham Miki, director of the Palestinian Broadcasting Corp.

The killing has shaken Arafat's inner circle and spotlighted the growing resentment expressed by many Palestinians against the Arafat regime. Miki, 54, is the first senior Palestinian official to be assassinated in Arafat's six-year rule.

Palestinian sources said the wealthy media executive was accused of what they termed immoral and corrupt behavior, Middle East Newsline reported. This included a history of bad debts and embezzlement.

They group said they had executed the "people's sentence" on Miki for stealing money and molesting female staff.

While waiting for lunch companions at a table in the restaurant of Gaza City's posh Beach Hotel, three masked men approached him. Witnesses said one of the intruders opened fire from a pistol fitted with a silencer, pumping more than 10 bullets into the TV chief.

Paying the ultimate tribute, Arafat on Thursday helped carry the coffin of his loyal protege.

PA sources originally blamed Israel for the killing but a PA announcement on Wednesday did not mention Israel.

Israel has denied any connection to the killing.

Miki, 54, was regarded as close to Arafat but did not participate in political decisions. Arriving in Gaza in 1994, he was often seen next to Arafat during Friday mosque prayers. But on other occasions, he was in the party mode. His extravagant lifestyle caused resentment among some in Palestinian circles who live under austere circumstances.

Palestinian radio and television has played a leading role in the ongoing mini-war with Israel. The media dropped its regular programming following Miki's death and played hours of footage that showed Palestinian clashes with Israel.

On Wednesday, Palestinian gunmen responded to the assassination by firing at Jewish settlements and Israeli military positions near Khan Yunis.