Deadly Fighting Erupt Between Hamas and Gaza-based Family Group in Gaza

The southern Gaza city experienced one of the fiercest domestic fighting since the war began, between Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - a major families in the southern region.

Per Hamas officials, its forces carried out an operation in the district to apprehend individuals suspected of working with Israeli authorities.

However, local accounts described an offensive by around 50 men traveling in five pickup trucks, equipped with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida neighborhood and killed five individuals from the family.

Clan fighters rapidly responded, sparking hours-long clashes with intense exchanges of fire.

Information spreading through social media – difficult to independently verify – indicate that over eleven Hamas personnel were fatally wounded, with several corpses reportedly paraded in the streets.

Recordings extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, purportedly display numerous injured casualties in military fatigues, featuring a voiceover claiming they belonged to Hamas's "military division".

Additional footage showed automatic weapon fire and an RPG impacting a apartment block in the district.

Community leaders subsequently stepped in to mediate among the opposing groups, resulting in an handover of casualties designed to control the deterioration.

While the exact motives remain unclear, the incident has intensified concern among local population.

Many are concerned that abundance of firearms, friction between powerful families and Hamas's grip on power could develop into scenes similar to domestic warfare in a area already experiencing displacement, destruction, and concern of increased chaos.

Experts propose that the extent of anger which Hamas encounters from its many opponents – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy governance – is considered a key factor influencing the organization to oppose the ceasefire plan.

Moreover, there is apprehension of bloody revenge, of facing execution in the streets, since the proposal requires Hamas to give up all arms.

Sources suggest that the head of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the plan, which was announced recently.

The ceasefire plan includes a deadline for Hamas to comply or face severe consequences.