🔗 Share this article

Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza witnessed some of the most intense domestic fighting since the conflict started, between Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - among the biggest families in the southern region.

Per Hamas, its forces conducted a raid in the area to detain people accused of working with Israeli authorities.

Conversely, resident testimonies recounted an attack by around 50 men using multiple vehicles, equipped with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida quarter and eliminated five individuals from the family.

Armed relatives quickly fought back, triggering extended gun battles with heavy gunfire.

Reports shared via online platforms – hard to authenticate – suggest that over eleven Hamas fighters were eliminated, with several corpses allegedly dragged through the streets.

Recordings extensively circulated online, that haven't been confirmed, purportedly display several injured bodies in combat uniforms, accompanied by a audio commentary stating they were members of Hamas's "special forces unit".

Additional footage recorded bursts of gunfire and a rocket-propelled grenade impacting a apartment block in the district.

Community leaders later intervened to facilitate talks between the conflicting parties, resulting in an exchange of bodies aimed at contain the deterioration.

Although the precise reasons continue to be ambiguous, the clash has heightened concern among local population.

Many worry that abundance of firearms, friction between powerful families and Hamas's control over governance could develop into circumstances resembling internal conflict in a region already affected by forced relocation, destruction, and concern of additional disorder.

Observers suggest that the level of hostility which Hamas faces from its various rivals – some of whom have been marginalized during its 17 years rule – is considered a major element driving the organization to reject the truce agreement.

Furthermore, there is concern of violent retribution, of being killed in the public spaces, since the proposal mandates Hamas to fully surrender weapons.

Reports suggest that the commander of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.

The agreement includes a deadline for Hamas to agree or face severe consequences.