In a shocking turn of events, 27 lives have been lost in Gaza City as Hamas security forces and the Dughmush clan engage in a brutal battle, marking one of the deadliest internal conflicts since the cessation of major Israeli operations in the region. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: this violence is not at the hands of external forces but between factions within the same community, leaving residents terrified and displaced once again.
The conflict erupted in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood when over 300 Hamas fighters attempted to storm a residential area where Dughmush clan members were entrenched. Witnesses described scenes of sheer panic as families, many already displaced by the recent war, fled under heavy gunfire. As one resident poignantly noted, 'This time, they weren't running from Israeli attacks—they were running from their own people.'
The Dughmush family, a prominent Gaza clan, has long had a fraught relationship with Hamas, with past clashes stemming from deep-seated tensions. This latest confrontation began on Saturday, with medical sources confirming 19 Dughmush members and 8 Hamas fighters killed. The Hamas-run interior ministry claims its forces are restoring order, warning against any armed activity outside the 'framework of the resistance.' Yet, both sides point fingers, each blaming the other for igniting the violence.
Hamas alleges that Dughmush gunmen killed two of its fighters and wounded five others, prompting a retaliatory operation. However, a Dughmush source tells a different story, claiming Hamas forces sought to evict the family from a building—formerly the Jordanian Hospital—where they had sought refuge after their homes were destroyed in the recent Israeli attack. The source accuses Hamas of attempting to establish a new base in the building, raising questions about the group's motives.
And this is the part most people miss: Hamas has reportedly recalled around 7,000 security force members to reassert control over areas recently vacated by Israeli troops. Armed Hamas units, some in civilian clothes and others in Gaza police uniforms, have been deployed across districts, despite denials from the Hamas media office. This move has sparked concerns about the group's growing influence and the potential for further internal strife.
Is Hamas truly acting in the interest of restoring order, or is this a power play to consolidate control? The Dughmush family's claims of eviction and Hamas's aggressive tactics suggest a deeper struggle for dominance in post-war Gaza. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza are caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. What do you think? Is Hamas justified in its actions, or is this a dangerous overreach? Let’s discuss in the comments.
