GAZA, July 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian senior political and security officials in Gaza have recently increased guards around them in fear of being attacked, security sources said Thursday.

    The sources said that more gunmen were seen surrounding senior Palestinian officials, and the number of cars escorting official convoys had obviously increased.

    The officials instructed snipers to seize roofs of high-rises and buildings surrounding their homes and headquarters in several areas in the Gaza Strip.

    The current heavy security measures were taken after last week'sarmed clashes between Islamic Hamas militants and Palestinian security forces who are order to prevent militants from firing rockets at Israeli targets by force if necessary.

    Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has tried to rein in militants to ensure a peaceful Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip due to begin on Aug. 17. Enditem