An Egyptian diplomat has been abducted by Palestinian gunmen in Gaza City, reports say.

According to the reports, the diplomat was on his way to his office when masked gunmen surrounded his car and forced him into another vehicle.

Foreigners are frequently kidnapped by gunmen in Gaza, a mark of the area's instability and lawlessness.

Generally, the hostages are held for a short time to press the authorities for money, jobs or prisoner releases.

The Egyptian representative's office in Gaza identified the diplomat as Hussam al-Mawsili.

Witnesses said the gunmen forced Mr Mawsili's car to stop by shooting at its tyres and bonnet.

The incident happened in the Rimal district in the centre of Gaza City, about 200 metres from his office, which is heavily guarded.

Egypt generally has good relations with armed factions in the Palestinian territories.

There has been an escalation of tension among groups loyal to the mainstream Fatah faction after the victory of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas in recent parliamentary elections.

PHOTO CAPTION

Fishermen in Gaza. (Archive)