Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza experienced some of the most intense internal clashes since hostilities commenced, pitting Hamas security personnel against armed members from the al-Mujaida clan - among the biggest families in southern Gaza.
According to Hamas officials, its forces conducted a raid in the area to apprehend individuals alleged to be collaborating with Israel.
On the other hand, resident testimonies described an attack by around 50 men using five pickup trucks, armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida neighborhood and fatally shot five members from the family.
Family members with weapons immediately retaliated, triggering extended clashes with sustained exchanges of fire.
Information shared via social media – challenging to confirm – claim that at least 11 Hamas personnel were fatally wounded, with some of their bodies reportedly paraded in the public areas.
Recordings extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, seem to depict several wounded casualties in combat uniforms, accompanied by a voiceover stating they belonged to Hamas's "special forces unit".
Another clip showed bursts of gunfire and an RPG striking a residential building in the area.
Community leaders subsequently stepped in to negotiate among the two sides, leading to an handover of casualties aimed at limit the escalation.
Even though the precise reasons are still uncertain, the clash has increased concern among Gaza residents.
Many fear that proliferation of arms, tensions between powerful families and Hamas's grip on power could develop into situations similar to domestic warfare in a region already experiencing displacement, damage, and concern of additional disorder.
Experts indicate that the degree of hostility which Hamas encounters from its numerous adversaries – whom it has humiliated during its 17 years rule – is believed to be a significant component influencing the movement to decline the peace proposal.
Furthermore, there is concern of violent retribution, of meeting violent ends in the public spaces, since the plan requires Hamas to fully surrender weapons.
Reports suggest that the leader of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has expressed disagreement regarding the proposal, which was unveiled recently.
The agreement includes a time limit for Hamas to agree or confront severe consequences.
