Army of Islam /Gaza

      Hamas said  that its forces had launched an operation aimed at freeing abducted BBC correspondent Alan Johnston, who has been held in the Gaza Strip for nearly four months. "The clocks have begun ticking toward the release of Alan Johnston," said Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad. "The operation of the Interior Ministry Executive Forces has started, and they are tightening the siege on the people involved in his kidnap." Hamas sources said earlier a Palestinian civilian was killed in an exchange of fire with the group holding Johnston in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources reported Tuesday that gunfire broke out between Hamas and Army of Islam militants in Gaza. Three gunmen were injured. Army of Islam is reportedly holding kidnapped BBC reported Alan Johnston. The group claimed Hamas is building a tunnel under the house Johnston is held in.(23,08)