Fatal Combat Erupt Involving Hamas and Palestinian Clan in the Gaza Strip
The southern Gaza city saw one of the fiercest domestic fighting since the conflict started, pitting Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida clan - one of the largest families in southern Gaza.
Per Hamas officials, its forces conducted a raid in the district to apprehend individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel.
On the other hand, local accounts detailed an armed assault by approximately 50 men using multiple vehicles, equipped with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who stormed the al-Mujaida quarter and fatally shot five individuals from the family.
Armed relatives rapidly responded, sparking prolonged gun battles with heavy exchanges of fire.
Information spreading through social media – hard to authenticate – indicate that over eleven Hamas members were fatally wounded, with multiple remains reportedly paraded in the streets.
Recordings widely shared on the internet, that haven't been confirmed, seem to depict several wounded bodies in combat uniforms, accompanied by a audio commentary claiming they belonged to Hamas's "military division".
Another clip captured sustained shooting and an RPG striking a apartment block in the neighborhood.
Local elders later intervened to negotiate among the two sides, resulting in an transfer of remains aimed at contain the escalation.
Although the exact motives remain unclear, the confrontation has increased concern among local population.
Numerous residents worry that abundance of firearms, tensions between major families and Hamas's political dominance could spiral into scenes resembling domestic warfare in a territory already gripped by displacement, devastation, and concern of additional disorder.
Analysts indicate that the extent of hostility which Hamas encounters from its numerous adversaries – whom it has humiliated during its 17 years rule – is believed to be a key factor driving the movement to decline the peace proposal.
Additionally, there is apprehension of deadly retaliation, of meeting violent ends in the public spaces, since the plan mandates Hamas to fully surrender weapons.
Indications indicate that the commander of Hamas's military wing in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the proposal, which was unveiled recently.
The agreement includes a time limit for Hamas to agree or face serious outcomes.
