Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 members of its security forces to reassert control over areas of Gaza that were recently vacated by Israeli troops, as reported by local sources. The group has also appointed five new governors, all with military backgrounds, some of whom previously led brigades within Hamas’s armed wing. This mobilization was reportedly communicated through phone calls and text messages, instructing fighters to report within 24 hours with the objective of “cleansing Gaza of outlaws and collaborators with Israel.”
In recent reports, Hamas units have been seen deploying across various districts, with some members dressed in civilian attire and others in the Gaza police’s blue uniforms. However, the Hamas media office has denied allegations that it is deploying fighters on the streets. Tensions escalated following the deaths of two Hamas elite force members, shot by gunmen associated with the Dughmush clan in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. One victim was the son of a senior Hamas military leader. Their bodies triggered significant anger, potentially leading to a major armed response from Hamas.
Subsequently, Hamas has surrounded an area thought to contain over 300 Dughmush fighters, armed with machine guns and improvised explosives. Reports indicate that Hamas has killed one Dughmush member and allegedly kidnapped 30 more. Some weapons belonging to the clan were reportedly looted from Hamas depots during the recent conflict, while others had been retained for years.
The recent mobilization aligns with escalating concerns regarding governance in Gaza post-conflict, raising questions about the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which advocates for Hamas’s disarmament. A Hamas official declined to comment specifically on the security deployment but emphasized the organization’s intent to resist occupation.
Experts have expressed fears of potential internal conflict fueled by the current chaotic environment, with significant weapon stockpiles reported among various factions. The situation is being monitored closely as residents of Gaza grapple with the consequences of continued unrest and violence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8482418plo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss