Fatal Fighting Ignite Between Hamas and Palestinian Clan in the Gaza Strip
The southern Gaza city witnessed some of the most intense internal clashes since the war began, between Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida family - a major families in the southern region.
Per Hamas officials, its security personnel conducted a raid in the neighborhood to arrest individuals suspected of collaborating with Israeli authorities.
On the other hand, eyewitness reports recounted an attack by about 50 men using multiple vehicles, equipped with automatic weapons and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who invaded the al-Mujaida quarter and killed five members from the family.
Clan fighters immediately retaliated, sparking hours-long gun battles with intense exchanges of fire.
Reports shared via social media – challenging to confirm – suggest that over eleven Hamas fighters were fatally wounded, with several corpses supposedly pulled along the public areas.
Recordings extensively circulated online, which remain unverified, appear to show several bloodied bodies in military fatigues, accompanied by a narration stating they pertained to Hamas's "military division".
Separate video captured automatic weapon fire and an RPG impacting a housing structure in the district.
Local elders later intervened to facilitate talks among the two sides, resulting in an exchange of bodies designed to control the deterioration.
Even though the precise reasons remain unclear, the confrontation has increased apprehension among local population.
Many fear that abundance of firearms, hostilities between influential clans and Hamas's grip on power could develop into scenes resembling internal conflict in a area already affected by forced relocation, destruction, and concern of increased chaos.
Experts suggest that the level of anger which Hamas encounters from its various rivals – groups that have been suppressed during its 17 years in power – is considered a key factor motivating the organization to reject the ceasefire plan.
Furthermore, there is concern of deadly retaliation, of being killed in the streets, since the plan requires Hamas to give up all arms.
Indications state that the commander of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the initiative, which was presented recently.
The ceasefire plan includes a deadline for Hamas to accept or face serious outcomes.
