Lethal Clashes Break Out Between the Hamas movement and Gaza-based Family Group in the Gaza Strip
Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza experienced one of the fiercest internal clashes since the war began, pitting Hamas security personnel against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - one of the largest clans in the southern region.
According to Hamas officials, its security personnel carried out an operation in the area to apprehend people alleged to be collaborating with Israel.
On the other hand, eyewitness reports described an attack by approximately 50 men using five pickup trucks, armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who invaded the al-Mujaida neighborhood and killed five members from the family.
Family members with weapons immediately retaliated, triggering extended clashes with sustained exchanges of fire.
Accounts shared via social media – difficult to independently verify – suggest that over eleven Hamas fighters were killed, with multiple remains allegedly paraded in the streets.
Footage broadly distributed on the internet, which remain unverified, appear to show numerous wounded casualties in combat uniforms, featuring a voiceover stating they were members of Hamas's "military division".
Another clip captured automatic weapon fire and an RPG impacting a apartment block in the district.
Community leaders later intervened to facilitate talks between the conflicting parties, leading to an handover of casualties aimed at limit the deterioration.
Even though the precise reasons remain unclear, the incident has increased anxiety among local population.
Many are concerned that widespread weapons, friction between major families and Hamas's control over governance could develop into scenes resembling domestic warfare in a territory already experiencing forced relocation, damage, and anxiety of additional disorder.
Experts suggest that the level of resentment which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy in power – is believed to be a significant component motivating the group to oppose the truce agreement.
Furthermore, there is apprehension of bloody revenge, of being killed in the public spaces, since the agreement requires Hamas to completely disarm.
Indications indicate that the leader of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the initiative, which was announced recently.
The proposal includes a deadline for Hamas to accept or encounter serious outcomes.