Two Hamas security men died Tuesday in a fierce clash in Gaza with the powerful clan linked to the kidnapping of British journalist Alan Johnston.

Internal violence in Gaza has been largely eradicated since Hamas wrested control of the coastal strip in mid-June, declaring a new era of law and order.

But on Tuesday, security forces and members of the Doghmush clan traded rifle and grenade fire west of Gaza City. Hamas said in a cryptic statement that its forces came under fire while on a mission in the area. The Doghmushes said the fighting began after Hamas came to arrest a clansman and confiscate his car.