Fatal Fighting Break Out Between Hamas and Palestinian Family Group in the Gaza Strip
Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza experienced some of the most intense internal clashes since the war began, between Hamas security forces against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - among the biggest clans in southern Gaza.
Per Hamas, its security personnel carried out an operation in the district to arrest individuals alleged to be cooperating with Israel.
However, eyewitness reports detailed an attack by around 50 men using five pickup trucks, equipped with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida quarter and killed five individuals from the clan.
Armed relatives quickly fought back, sparking prolonged gun battles with heavy gunfire.
Reports circulating on social media – hard to authenticate – indicate that over eleven Hamas fighters were eliminated, with some of their bodies supposedly dragged through the public areas.
Recordings widely shared online, that haven't been confirmed, appear to show multiple wounded casualties in combat uniforms, along with a audio commentary claiming they pertained to Hamas's "military division".
Another clip captured sustained shooting and a rocket-propelled grenade hitting a apartment block in the district.
Local elders subsequently stepped in to mediate between the two sides, resulting in an transfer of remains aimed at control the intensification.
Although the underlying causes remain unclear, the clash has increased anxiety among local population.
A significant number fear that abundance of firearms, hostilities between influential clans and Hamas's political dominance could escalate into scenes resembling internal conflict in a area already affected by displacement, destruction, and fear of additional disorder.
Observers suggest that the degree of hostility which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – whom it has humiliated during its seventeen-year in power – is considered a major element influencing the organization to decline the truce agreement.
Additionally, there is concern of bloody revenge, of meeting violent ends in the public spaces, since the plan mandates Hamas to fully surrender weapons.
Reports state that the leader of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the initiative, which was announced recently.
The agreement includes a time limit for Hamas to accept or encounter severe consequences.