Lethal Combat Ignite Between Hamas and Gaza-based Family Group in the Gaza Strip
The southern Gaza city experienced some of the most intense internal clashes since the war began, between Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - a major clans in southern Gaza.
According to Hamas officials, its security personnel carried out an operation in the district to arrest people suspected of collaborating with Israel.
However, eyewitness reports recounted an attack by approximately fifty armed individuals using multiple vehicles, armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida neighborhood and fatally shot five members from the clan.
Armed relatives immediately retaliated, initiating prolonged clashes with heavy exchanges of fire.
Accounts shared via social media – difficult to independently verify – indicate that over eleven Hamas personnel were killed, with multiple remains allegedly dragged through the public areas.
Videos extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, purportedly display numerous wounded bodies in military fatigues, along with a voiceover claiming they pertained to Hamas's "special forces unit".
Additional footage showed bursts of gunfire and an RPG impacting a apartment block in the neighborhood.
Local elders later intervened to mediate between the two sides, resulting in an exchange of bodies designed to limit the escalation.
Even though the underlying causes are still uncertain, the clash has intensified apprehension among Gaza residents.
Many worry that proliferation of arms, friction between powerful families and Hamas's control over governance could spiral into circumstances similar to civil war in a area already affected by forced relocation, destruction, and fear of increased chaos.
Experts propose that the level of anger which Hamas confronts from its many opponents – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy governance – is thought to be a key factor influencing the organization to oppose the peace proposal.
Additionally, there is fear of deadly retaliation, of meeting violent ends in the streets, since the agreement mandates Hamas to completely disarm.
Sources state that the commander of Hamas's military wing in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the plan, which was unveiled recently.
The proposal includes a cut-off point for Hamas to comply or confront significant repercussions.
