Fatal Combat Erupt Between the Hamas movement and Palestinian Clan in the Gaza Strip

Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza witnessed one of the fiercest internal clashes since the war began, pitting Hamas security personnel against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - a major clans in southern Gaza.

Per Hamas, its forces carried out an operation in the neighborhood to detain individuals accused of working with Israel.

Conversely, eyewitness reports recounted an armed assault by approximately 50 men traveling in five pickup trucks, carrying automatic weapons and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida neighborhood and eliminated five individuals from the family.

Family members with weapons immediately retaliated, initiating hours-long confrontations with sustained exchanges of fire.

Information circulating on online platforms – difficult to independently verify – suggest that more than 11 Hamas members were fatally wounded, with some of their bodies allegedly dragged through the public areas.

Recordings widely shared on the internet, which remain unverified, purportedly display several bloodied bodies in combat uniforms, accompanied by a audio commentary alleging they were members of Hamas's "military division".

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

Community leaders later intervened to mediate between the opposing groups, culminating in an exchange of bodies designed to control the escalation.

Even though the underlying causes remain unclear, the incident has intensified concern among local population.

Many worry that widespread weapons, friction between major families and Hamas's control over governance could escalate into scenes similar to domestic warfare in a area already experiencing displacement, damage, and anxiety of additional disorder.

Analysts propose that the degree of resentment which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – groups that have been suppressed during its lengthy governance – is considered a major element influencing the group to decline the peace proposal.

Furthermore, there is fear of deadly retaliation, of facing execution in the streets, since the agreement mandates Hamas to fully surrender weapons.

Sources indicate that the commander of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has expressed disagreement regarding the initiative, which was presented recently.

The ceasefire plan includes a cut-off point for Hamas to accept or encounter significant repercussions.