GAZA CITY • A series of near-simultaneous explosions in the Gaza Strip yesterday targeted members of the armed branches of Hamas and Islamic Jihad amid growing tensions between the Palestinian territory's rulers and extremist opponents.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The early morning blasts destroyed five cars belonging to members of the Al-Qassam and Al-Quds brigades.

Police working under Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the Gaza Strip, did not say who they believed was responsible, but vowed action against the culprits.

There were no reports of serious injuries. The explosions appeared to be intended as a warning rather than an attempt to inflict casualties, given the early hour.

There have been growing signs of internal unrest in the Gaza Strip. Gazans who have gone to fight with ISIS recently released a video calling for Hamas to be toppled.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE