GAZA, August 15 (RIA Novosti) - Two members of the radical group Hamas were killed in clashes with the notorious Doghmush clan, which stood behind the kidnapping of a BBC journalist, in Hamas-controlled Gaza, Palestinian radio said.
The radio said there were no reports of casualties among rival groups.
Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in a June coup when it ousted the pro-presidential Fatah movement. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas disbanded a coalition with Hamas and formed a new government in the West Bank, which enjoys international backing.
The notorious Doghmush clan is a powerful family network with close ties to the Army of Islam, which was also involved in the 114-day abduction ordeal of BBC's Alan Johnston in spring and the kidnapping of Israeli corporal Gilad Shalit over a year ago.
Hamas has stated that its aim is to combat anarchy and lawlessness. Hamas's rule in Gaza has seen practically no group conflicts.
