Fatal Combat Break Out Involving Hamas and Palestinian Clan in the Gaza Strip
Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza saw some of the most intense internal clashes since hostilities commenced, pitting Hamas security personnel against armed members from the al-Mujaida family - a major clans in the southern region.
Per Hamas, its forces carried out an operation in the district to apprehend people accused of cooperating with Israel.
Conversely, local accounts recounted an armed assault by about 50 men using five pickup trucks, carrying automatic weapons and RPG launchers, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida quarter and fatally shot five members from the family.
Clan fighters quickly fought back, initiating prolonged confrontations with intense exchanges of fire.
Information circulating on social media – challenging to confirm – claim that more than 11 Hamas personnel were fatally wounded, with several corpses allegedly pulled along the streets.
Recordings extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, purportedly display multiple wounded casualties in combat uniforms, accompanied by a voiceover stating they were members of Hamas's "special forces unit".
Additional footage captured automatic weapon fire and an RPG striking a apartment block in the area.
Local elders subsequently stepped in to facilitate talks among the conflicting parties, culminating in an transfer of remains designed to limit the intensification.
While the underlying causes remain unclear, the clash has increased anxiety among Palestinians.
Numerous residents fear that proliferation of arms, tensions between powerful families and Hamas's control over governance could spiral into situations reminiscent of internal conflict in a territory already experiencing population movement, destruction, and concern of further lawlessness.
Experts indicate that the extent of hostility which Hamas confronts from its various rivals – some of whom have been marginalized during its seventeen-year in power – is considered a major element influencing the group to reject the truce agreement.
Additionally, there is apprehension of violent retribution, of meeting violent ends in the streets, since the proposal requires Hamas to give up all arms.
Indications indicate that the commander of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.
The ceasefire plan includes a cut-off point for Hamas to comply or face severe consequences.