🔗 Share this article Lethal Combat Ignite Involving Hamas and Palestinian Family Group in the Gaza Strip Hamas has maintained tight control over the Gaza Strip since seizing control in 2007 The southern Gaza city witnessed one of the fiercest domestic fighting since hostilities commenced, between Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida clan - a major clans in southern Gaza. As stated by Hamas, its forces conducted a raid in the area to apprehend people accused of collaborating with Israeli authorities. However, resident testimonies detailed an armed assault by approximately 50 men using multiple vehicles, armed with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida neighborhood and killed five individuals from the family. Armed relatives immediately retaliated, triggering prolonged confrontations with intense gunfire. Reports spreading through online platforms – hard to authenticate – claim that at least 11 Hamas fighters were fatally wounded, with multiple remains supposedly paraded in the public areas. Videos broadly distributed online, which remain unverified, seem to depict numerous bloodied bodies in combat uniforms, accompanied by a narration claiming they were members of Hamas's "Sahm Unit". Separate video captured sustained shooting and an RPG hitting a residential building in the area. Community leaders subsequently stepped in to mediate among the opposing groups, culminating in an transfer of remains intended to control the deterioration. While the underlying causes remain unclear, the incident has increased anxiety among local population. Many are concerned that abundance of firearms, hostilities between influential clans and Hamas's political dominance could spiral into circumstances resembling internal conflict in a area already experiencing population movement, destruction, and concern of additional disorder. Observers suggest that the extent of anger which Hamas confronts from its numerous adversaries – groups that have been suppressed during its 17 years rule – is believed to be a major element motivating the group to decline the truce agreement. Additionally, there is apprehension of deadly retaliation, of being killed in the streets, since the proposal requires Hamas to completely disarm. Indications suggest that the head of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the initiative, which was presented recently. The agreement includes a deadline for Hamas to agree or face serious outcomes.