On May 31, 10 members of the Abu Shaban clan, seven of them women and children, were injured during an explosion at their home in Gaza City, Middle East Newsline reported. The sources said an unidentified missile warhead was mishandled and exploded.

"The explosion was caused by the mishandling of the device by a family member," the Palestinian Center for Human Right said. "The explosion destroyed the house completely and caused serious damages to a number of nearby houses."

The clan has been headed by Majed Mohammed Abu Shaban. The 55-year-old clan leader has become a contractor for Hamas weaponry in the El Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City.

PCHR has urged Hamas to stop weapons production in Gaza homes. The human rights group has cited the mounting casualties from explosions during the development and production stage.

The Hamas Interior Ministry has confirmed that the explosion at Abu Shaban was the result of the mishandling of a bomb. Ministry spokesman Islam Shehwan did not elaborate.

"PCHR is concerned over the continued falling of victims due to the misuse of weapons or storing them in civilian areas," PCHR said. "The center calls upon the authorities to place adequate restrictions to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies in order to protect civilian lives and property."

Palestinian clans have become closer to Hamas since the movement took over the Gaza Strip in June 2007. The clans have also been involved in organized crime, including racketeering and abductions.

On May 31, unknown assailants broke into the El Manara school in Gaza City and stole a bus belonging to the Bible Society. The assailants detained and beat the two school guards. The school was attacked by gunmen in February 2008.

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