Lethal Clashes Erupt Involving the Hamas movement and Gaza-based Clan in the Gaza Strip

Gaza conflict imagery
The group has maintained strict authority over Gaza since taking control seventeen years ago

Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza experienced one of the fiercest internal clashes since the war began, between Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - one of the largest clans in the southern region.

According to Hamas officials, its forces carried out an operation in the neighborhood to arrest people accused of cooperating with Israeli authorities.

However, local accounts detailed an attack by approximately 50 men using multiple vehicles, armed with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida quarter and eliminated five members from the clan.

Armed relatives quickly fought back, sparking prolonged clashes with sustained gunfire.

Accounts spreading through online platforms – difficult to independently verify – suggest that over eleven Hamas personnel were killed, with multiple remains allegedly pulled along the public areas.

Footage extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, appear to show numerous bloodied casualties in combat uniforms, featuring a audio commentary stating they were members of Hamas's "special forces unit".

Another clip captured sustained shooting and a rocket-propelled grenade impacting a apartment block in the district.

Community leaders later intervened to mediate between the opposing groups, culminating in an exchange of bodies designed to control the deterioration.

While the underlying causes are still uncertain, the confrontation has intensified concern among Palestinians.

Many fear that widespread weapons, tensions between powerful families and Hamas's control over governance could escalate into circumstances reminiscent of civil war in a area already affected by forced relocation, destruction, and concern of further lawlessness.

Observers suggest that the degree of resentment which Hamas encounters from its numerous adversaries – whom it has humiliated during its seventeen-year rule – is considered a key factor influencing the movement to oppose the ceasefire plan.

Moreover, there is concern of bloody revenge, of being killed in the public spaces, since the agreement requires Hamas to give up all arms.

Sources state that the commander of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.

The proposal includes a cut-off point for Hamas to agree or face severe consequences.

Lori Reid
Lori Reid

Digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in helping businesses thrive online through data-driven campaigns.

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