GAZA, Sept 5: A huge explosion on Monday killed at least three people and destroyed three houses in a Gaza City suburb known as a Palestinian militant stronghold. Israel said it was not linked to the blast in the Sajaiya neighbourhood, which also wounded more than 25.

Palestinian security sources said Hamas militants lived in one of the houses hit by the explosion, which could be heard across Gaza City.

“The Israeli army has no connection with this incident,” a spokeswoman said.

Palestinian medics said at least three people were killed in the blast and more than 25 others, including women and children, were wounded.

Hamas, which is dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state, has vowed to continue armed resistance against Israel after Israeli forces quit the Gaza Strip by Sept 15.

Israel has largely ceased assassination of Palestinian militants since declaring a ceasefire along with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last February.

The Sajaiya blast raised speculation among Palestinians in Gaza that explosives may have been stored in one of the buildings and gone off prematurely.—AFP