Hamas forces raided a complex in which members of the Doghmush clan live, killing ten, including a baby. A Hamas policeman and a bystander were also killed in the Monday night-Tuesday morning violence, which included use of a mortar shell cannon.
Dozens of people on both sides were injured.
The raid was precipitated by a Doghmush shooting attack on Monday at a group of Hamas men, in which a Hamas policeman was killed. Hamas forces attempting to arrest the shooter and his accomplices encircled the complex, and the battle ensued after the wanted men refused to give themselves up.
After several hours, the Hamas ministry of interior announced that the operation had ended successfully and that the three wanted men were dead. Hamas released photographs of weaponry and bombs found in the Doghmush complex.
Various Doghmush members sympathize with Fatah, Hamas and/or Al-Qaeda.
Kidnappers Dead and Injured
Among the Doghmush members injured in the battle was the man who commanded the operation in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped over two years ago. One of the dead men was involved in the kidnapping last year of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was released unharmed after four months.
Shalit's Family: Stop Money Transfers to Hamas
Gilad Shalit's parents have turned to the government - specifically, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni - asking that it stop transferring money to Hamas. The Shalits say this will bring their son's release closer.
In the letter to the government, the Shalits say that they were told by Barak's Military Secretary that Israel transfers money to various elements in Gaza. The secretary specifically said that two weeks ago, tens of millions of shekels were transferred to Gaza. They were also told that another delivery of equal proportions is planned for the coming days.
The money is supposedly tax money that belongs to the PA and that will be used to pay salaries. The Shalits say, however, that once Israel sends the money to Gaza - which it declared a "hostile entity" a year ago - it has no control over how it is actually used.
Shalit "Definitely Alive"
Public Security Minister Avi Dichter said today, during his last day of campaigning for the Kadima primaries, which will be held tomorrow, that Shalit is "definitely alive." It was not clear if he said this in the context of the Gaza battles raging as he spoke. He added that negotiations for Shalit's release continue.