Deadly Clashes Ignite Between Hamas and Gaza-based Clan in the Gaza Strip
Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza saw some of the most intense domestic fighting since the war began, pitting Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida family - a major clans in southern Gaza.
According to Hamas officials, its security personnel carried out an operation in the district to detain people alleged to be working with Israeli authorities.
However, eyewitness reports recounted an attack by about 50 men using multiple vehicles, equipped with automatic weapons and RPG launchers, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida quarter and killed five members from the family.
Clan fighters immediately retaliated, triggering extended confrontations with heavy gunfire.
Accounts shared via online platforms – hard to authenticate – claim that over eleven Hamas personnel were fatally wounded, with some of their bodies allegedly dragged through the public areas.
Videos extensively circulated online, without independent verification, purportedly display several injured casualties in military fatigues, along with a voiceover stating they were members of Hamas's "special forces unit".
Separate video showed bursts of gunfire and an RPG hitting a apartment block in the district.
Community leaders eventually mediated to negotiate between the two sides, culminating in an handover of casualties aimed at contain the deterioration.
Even though the precise reasons remain unclear, the incident has heightened anxiety among local population.
Many fear that widespread weapons, tensions between powerful families and Hamas's political dominance could escalate into scenes resembling civil war in a territory already gripped by population movement, destruction, and fear of increased chaos.
Analysts propose that the degree of resentment which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – whom it has humiliated during its lengthy rule – is considered a key factor influencing the movement to reject the ceasefire plan.
Furthermore, there is fear of bloody revenge, of meeting violent ends in the streets, since the agreement requires Hamas to give up all arms.
Reports indicate that the leader of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has expressed disagreement regarding the initiative, which was unveiled recently.
The agreement includes a deadline for Hamas to agree or face serious outcomes.
