GAZA CITY — On Aug. 17, two Palestinian militias fought a pitched battle near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis in which two people were injured. The militias were identified as Islamic Jihad and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

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Jihad has deployed its armed wing, Al Quds Brigades, and the DFLP has maintained its National Resistance Brigades. Both militias were said to be equipped with light weapons, rockets and military equipment.

"The militants forced residents of the area to evacuate and stay at home before the clashes erupted," the human rights center said. "However, some people got out of their houses and requested that the militants get away from their houses, but they refused."

Both Jihad and DFLP have claimed responsibility for numerous rocket attacks on Israel in 2010. Palestinian sources said Hamas has not arrested any of those involved in the Aug. 17 battle.

Hamas has warned that it would crack down on militias and unlicensed weapons. On Aug. 21, Hamas said it would confiscate unlicensed weapons as part of a campaign to improve security.

"All illegal weapons or those used illegally will be taken without being returned to owners," Hamas police spokesman Maj. Ayman Al Batniji said.

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