Kidnappers free son of official killed in Gaza

The kidnapped son of slain ex-security chief Moussa Arafat has been released two days after he was seized by the attackers who…

The kidnapped son of slain ex-security chief Moussa Arafat has been released two days after he was seized by the attackers who killed his father.

Manhal Arafat was seen entering the office of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza City early today, accompanied by Palestinian officials.

Dozens of gunmen stormed the Arafat home on Wednesday morning, killing the former head of Palestinian security and abducting his son.

A masked man saying he represents the Popular Resistance Committees, a renegade group, reaffirmed responsibility for the killing and kidnapping, after leaders of the group distanced themselves from the attack.

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A Palestinian statement said Mr Abbas would take part in the military funeral for Moussa Arafat after midday prayers today.

After meeting Mr Abbas, Manhal was taken to his dead father's house. Gunmen outside fired in the air and kept reporters away.

His father, a relative of the late leader Yasser Arafat, was implicated in alleged corruption and was fired by Mr Abbas.

However, his killing was seen as a direct challenge to the Palestinian government, which has pledged to stop renegade armed groups from acting with impunity in Gaza, ahead of Israel's handover of the territory to Palestinian control next week.

Mr Abbas pledged to hunt down the killers.

AP