Four people have been killed in clashes between Hamas security forces and a clan affiliated with Fatah, Hamas's rivals, in Gaza.

Two Hamas security men and two members of the clan were killed in the fighting that left more than 20 people wounded on both sides.

Hamas security forces closed off the al-Shojaiyah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, late on Wednesday in order to arrest wanted members of the Heles clan, a large group with Fatah links.

Witnesses said rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and heavy machine guns were used in the clashes.

Ihab al-Ghusain, a spokesman for the Hamas Executive Force, said the violence started when members of the Heles clan opened fire at the security forces.

The security forces later arrested a number of "outlaws" that were on their way to send reinforcements to the clan, al-Ghusain said.

A Fatah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hamas security forces were trying to confiscate a car that belonged to a Heles member.

Residents said the sound of ambulances could be heard throughout Gaza City following the incident. Armed clashes often break out along factional and family lines across the Gaza Strip.

PHOTO CAPTION

Masked members of the Hamas executive force (archive)