Deadly Combat Erupt Involving the Hamas movement and Palestinian Family Group in the Gaza Strip
The southern Gaza city experienced some of the most intense internal confrontations since hostilities commenced, pitting Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - one of the largest families in southern Gaza.
According to Hamas officials, its forces carried out an operation in the neighborhood to arrest individuals accused of cooperating with Israel.
On the other hand, eyewitness reports described an offensive by around 50 men riding in five pickup trucks, carrying automatic weapons and RPG launchers, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida neighborhood and killed five members from the clan.
Family members with weapons rapidly responded, triggering hours-long clashes with heavy gunfire.
Information spreading through social media – difficult to independently verify – claim that over eleven Hamas members were fatally wounded, with multiple remains supposedly dragged through the public areas.
Footage widely shared online, that haven't been confirmed, appear to show numerous wounded bodies in military fatigues, along with a narration stating they were members of Hamas's "Sahm Unit".
Another clip captured bursts of gunfire and a rocket-propelled grenade hitting a residential building in the district.
Community leaders subsequently stepped in to facilitate talks among the two sides, culminating in an handover of casualties aimed at limit the intensification.
While the precise reasons remain unclear, the clash has intensified apprehension among local population.
A significant number are concerned that widespread weapons, hostilities between influential clans and Hamas's control over governance could escalate into scenes similar to civil war in a area already experiencing population movement, damage, and fear of additional disorder.
Analysts propose that the level of hostility which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – some of whom have been marginalized during its seventeen-year governance – is believed to be a key factor influencing the movement to reject the peace proposal.
Additionally, there is concern of violent retribution, of being killed in the public spaces, since the plan requires Hamas to completely disarm.
Indications state that the leader of Hamas's military wing in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.
The ceasefire plan includes a cut-off point for Hamas to accept or confront severe consequences.
