Deadly Clashes Break Out Involving Hamas and Gaza-based Clan in Gaza

The southern Gaza city experienced one of the fiercest internal clashes since hostilities commenced, pitting Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida clan - a major families in southern Gaza.

According to Hamas, its security personnel carried out an operation in the district to detain individuals alleged to be cooperating with Israeli authorities.

However, eyewitness reports described an offensive by around 50 men traveling in multiple vehicles, armed with automatic weapons and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida quarter and eliminated five individuals from the clan.

Clan fighters quickly fought back, sparking prolonged clashes with intense gunfire.

Information spreading through social media – difficult to independently verify – claim that more than 11 Hamas members were eliminated, with several corpses supposedly dragged through the streets.

Videos extensively circulated online, which remain unverified, purportedly display several injured casualties in military fatigues, featuring a narration claiming they belonged to Hamas's "special forces unit".

Separate video showed automatic weapon fire and an RPG hitting a housing structure in the neighborhood.

Tribal mediators later intervened to mediate between the opposing groups, culminating in an handover of casualties aimed at control the deterioration.

While the exact motives continue to be ambiguous, the confrontation has increased apprehension among Palestinians.

Numerous residents fear that widespread weapons, hostilities between powerful families and Hamas's political dominance could escalate into scenes similar to domestic warfare in a territory already gripped by forced relocation, devastation, and fear of increased chaos.

Analysts indicate that the extent of hostility which Hamas faces from its many opponents – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy governance – is believed to be a major element influencing the movement to reject the peace proposal.

Moreover, there is fear of violent retribution, of facing execution in the streets, since the agreement requires Hamas to fully surrender weapons.

Sources state that the leader of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.

The ceasefire plan includes a deadline for Hamas to comply or face serious outcomes.