Gaza City - At least 11 Palestinians were killed in another outbreak of violent internecine clashes in the Gaza Strip, the worst in more than a month, security officials said Tuesday.

The clashes took place in southern Gaza City's al-Sabra neighbourhood, between forces from the radical Islamic Hamas movement ruling the strip and a powerful local clan, the Dughmush.

At least one Hamas policeman and four members of the Dughmush family, including an infant, were among the dead, the security officials said.

A statement by the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry said the police forces killed three "wanted criminals" who refused to surrender during an attempt to arrest them.

The clashes erupted late Monday after a Dugmush family member killed a Hamas policeman and wounded another officer when police tried to arrest him near a Gaza City market.

Jameel Dugmush escaped to the family's stronghold neighbourhood of Sabra, after which Hamas sent its forces into the area.

Dozens were also wounded in the raid, which Hamas said was now over. (dpa)