Clashes in Gaza City between Hamas security forces and armed members of the Dughmush family have resulted in at least 27 fatalities, marking one of the most significant internal confrontations since major Israeli operations ceased in the region. Witnesses reported that the fighting, which involved masked Hamas gunmen, occurred near the Jordanian Hospital.
A senior official from the Hamas-run interior ministry indicated that security units surrounded the Dughmush fighters, leading to heavy fighting as they attempted to apprehend them. Medical sources confirmed that 19 members of the Dughmush clan and eight Hamas fighters have died since the fighting began on Saturday.
The conflict began in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood when a Hamas contingent of over 300 fighters attempted to storm a residential block where Dughmush gunmen were located. Residents expressed panic as many families fled their homes amidst the crossfire, highlighting the distress faced by those who have already endured multiple displacements due to previous conflicts.
The Dughmush family, a historically significant clan in Gaza, has had a strained relationship with Hamas, which has led to previous clashes. The Hamas interior ministry asserted that its forces aimed to restore order and would take a firm stand against any armed activities not aligned with their objectives. Both parties have exchanged accusations regarding the escalation of the violence.
Hamas contended that two of its fighters were killed by Dughmush gunmen, which initiated their offensive. Conversely, a Dughmush family source claimed that Hamas targeted their refuge—previously the Jordanian Hospital—aiming to displace them and establish a new base of operations there.
Additionally, local sources reported that Hamas has recalled around 7,000 members of its security forces to assert control over areas recently vacated by Israeli troops. Armed units of Hamas have reportedly been deployed throughout various districts, although the group’s media office denied the presence of fighters on the streets.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5e551j593o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss