GAZA, Jan. 4 (Xinhuanet) -- About 40 Palestinian militants stormed the Palestinian Central Election Committee (CEC) office in Rafah of southern Gaza Wednesday morning, witness and security sources said.

    This breaking-into came after Palestinian security forces detained overnight a militant suspected of being responsible for kidnapping three Britons in Rafah last week, the sources said.

    The militants forced their way into the office, demanding the release of their colleague, after burning tyres and firing in the air. The office was empty of personnel then, witnesses said.

    Eyad al-Hams, member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed wing to the ruling Fatah movement, was detained Tuesday night by Palestinian security forces in Rafah, witnesses said.

    He was suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of British human rights worker Kate Burton, her father Hugh and mother Helen last Wednesday. The three were set free two days later.

    The kidnappers said taking hostage was aimed at urging the international community to press Israel and releasing them was to show a good-will gesture. Enditem