Deadly Fighting Ignite Between the Hamas movement and Palestinian Family Group in Gaza
Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza experienced some of the most intense domestic fighting since the conflict started, between Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - a major clans in the southern region.
As stated by Hamas, its security personnel conducted a raid in the area to arrest individuals suspected of working with Israeli authorities.
On the other hand, resident testimonies recounted an armed assault by approximately 50 men riding in five pickup trucks, armed with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida quarter and fatally shot five members from the clan.
Family members with weapons rapidly responded, sparking extended gun battles with heavy exchanges of fire.
Accounts shared via online platforms – challenging to confirm – indicate that over eleven Hamas members were eliminated, with several corpses supposedly dragged through the streets.
Videos widely shared online, without independent verification, seem to depict multiple wounded bodies in combat uniforms, featuring a narration alleging they were members of Hamas's "Sahm Unit".
Additional footage captured automatic weapon fire and a rocket-propelled grenade hitting a housing structure in the neighborhood.
Local elders later intervened to negotiate between the conflicting parties, leading to an exchange of bodies aimed at contain the deterioration.
Even though the precise reasons are still uncertain, the confrontation has heightened anxiety among Gaza residents.
A significant number fear that proliferation of arms, friction between influential clans and Hamas's control over governance could spiral into scenes reminiscent of civil war in a territory already gripped by displacement, damage, and fear of additional disorder.
Experts indicate that the degree of resentment which Hamas encounters from its many opponents – whom it has humiliated during its lengthy governance – is thought to be a key factor motivating the organization to oppose the ceasefire plan.
Moreover, there is apprehension of violent retribution, of facing execution in the public spaces, since the plan demands Hamas to completely disarm.
Sources indicate that the commander of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.
The agreement includes a cut-off point for Hamas to agree or confront serious outcomes.
