Cleric calls for Islamic law in Gaza, sparking deadly clash near mosque, Hamas sources say

GAZA CITY, Gaza (CNN) - A radical Muslim cleric called Friday for the imposition of strict Islamic law in Gaza, sparking clashes with Hamas forces that have left at least one person dead, Hamas sources told CNN.

The clash is the latest between Gaza's Hamas rulers, who describe themselves as moderate Muslims pledged to the Palestinian cause, and more radical Islamic groups.

The gunfight erupted near the mosque in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the cleric delivered his sermon, the sources said. One person was killed when Hamas militants raided the mosque and seized control of it.

At least 17 others were wounded in the clash. There are concerns that the fighting may spread to other cities across Gaza.

The gunfight involves fighters loyal to Salafist jihadist groups, including Jund Ansar Allah and Jaljalat, which are described as al Qaeda-inspired and which seek to set up an Islamic emirate in Gaza.

The groups have clashed in the past with Gaza's Hamas rulers.

– CNN's Talal Abu-Rahman in Gaza City, Gaza contributed to this report