Gaza City, Aug 30 (DPA) Three successive bombs exploded at midnight just outside the ruling Islamic Hamas movement's security compounds in western Gaza City, witnesses said.

Residents of the western part of the city said that a first, huge explosion was heard near what is known as Ansar security compound. No injuries were reported.

The second explosion was heard about half an hour later from a bomb that exploded near the Gaza residence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which has been seized by Hamas militants.

Hamas security sources said that a third bomb was discovered near what is known as the department for security and protection near the Gaza City seaside. The bomb was defused by Hamas anti-bomb squads.

Following the explosions, Hamas security forces erected checkpoints across Gaza City, stopped cars and prevented journalists from reaching the scene.