Gaza City: Gaza City is once again engulfed in violence as fierce clashes erupted between Hamas security forces and the influential Dughmush clan, leaving at least 27 people dead. The confrontation represents one of the deadliest internal conflicts in Gaza since the recent withdrawal of Israeli forces, highlighting the fragile security and governance situation in the region.
The violent outbreak began near the Jordanian Hospital in central Gaza City and quickly spread to the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, a historically tense area. Armed members of the Dughmush clan, long-standing rivals of Hamas, faced off against the city’s security forces in a series of brutal encounters. Reports indicate that the clashes resulted in the deaths of eight Hamas fighters and 19 members of the Dughmush clan, alongside numerous injuries.
The Dughmush clan, which wields considerable influence in Gaza, has had a contentious history with Hamas, often challenging its authority in the region. Analysts suggest that the recent Israeli military withdrawal created a power vacuum, emboldening rival factions and exacerbating old rivalries. The current clashes underscore how fragile Gaza’s internal stability remains, even amid attempts to broker ceasefires with Israel.
In a tragic turn, Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi was killed while covering the conflict. Known for his pro-Hamas stance and controversial online presence, al-Jafarawi was reportedly shot in the head despite wearing a press flak jacket. His death has sparked polarized reactions on social media and further emphasizes the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the ongoing unrest.
Hamas’s Interior Ministry quickly issued statements condemning unauthorized armed actions and announced efforts to restore order in the affected neighborhoods. Security forces have since intensified their presence across Gaza City, conducting operations to reassert control and prevent further escalation.
The clashes have raised serious concerns about the durability of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which had been brokered only days earlier. While the truce was intended to provide a window of relative calm, the resurgence of internal conflicts reveals deep-rooted tensions and the difficulties of maintaining stability in a politically fragmented environment.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and emphasizing the protection of civilians. Experts warn that without urgent dialogue and reconciliation measures, Gaza risks sliding further into chaos, undermining any progress toward long-term peace and stability.