🔗 Share this article Fatal Fighting Break Out Involving the Hamas movement and Palestinian Clan in the Gaza Strip The group has maintained tight control over the Gaza Strip since taking control back in 2007 The southern Gaza city saw some of the most intense internal clashes since hostilities commenced, between Hamas security personnel against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - a major clans in southern Gaza. As stated by Hamas officials, its forces conducted a raid in the area to arrest people accused of collaborating with Israeli authorities. Conversely, local accounts detailed an offensive by about 50 men traveling in multiple vehicles, equipped with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida quarter and eliminated five members from the clan. Clan fighters quickly fought back, initiating extended confrontations with intense exchanges of fire. Information circulating on social media – difficult to independently verify – suggest that over eleven Hamas fighters were killed, with several corpses reportedly pulled along the public areas. Videos broadly distributed on the internet, which remain unverified, purportedly display multiple bloodied bodies in combat uniforms, accompanied by a voiceover alleging they belonged to Hamas's "Sahm Unit". Additional footage showed automatic weapon fire and an RPG striking a residential building in the area. Tribal mediators subsequently stepped in to negotiate between the opposing groups, resulting in an handover of casualties designed to limit the deterioration. Although the exact motives remain unclear, the confrontation has intensified anxiety among Palestinians. Numerous residents fear that abundance of firearms, friction between major families and Hamas's grip on power could develop into scenes reminiscent of civil war in a territory already gripped by population movement, damage, and concern of further lawlessness. Observers indicate that the extent of resentment which Hamas encounters from its many opponents – groups that have been suppressed during its lengthy governance – is thought to be a major element motivating the organization to reject the ceasefire plan. Additionally, there is apprehension of deadly retaliation, of facing execution in the streets, since the proposal demands Hamas to completely disarm. Reports suggest that the leader of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the initiative, which was announced recently. The ceasefire plan includes a time limit for Hamas to comply or confront severe consequences.