Fatal Clashes Erupt Between Hamas Security Forces and Doghmush Clan Following Gaza Ceasefire

Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry confirmed fatalities occurred on both sides during violent confrontations.

Palestinian Territories:

Multiple sources reported on Monday that deadly clashes erupted over the weekend in Gaza City between Hamas security forces and members of an armed clan.

The violent confrontations between the Palestinian Islamist group and the Doghmush clan initially began last week following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

According to witnesses who spoke with AFP under condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, gunfights broke out Sunday evening in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood.

"Approximately 200 members of the Hamas security forces were present and fought until they completely subdued the clan members," stated one local resident.

"There were dead and wounded among the Doghmush family members, but also martyrs and injured among the security forces," the resident added.

Another neighbor provided a similar account, noting that calm was only restored to the neighborhood around 9:30 pm (1830 GMT).

A source within Gaza's Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry acknowledged casualties on both sides of the conflict.

The ministry source accused the Doghmush clan of affiliation with Israeli forces and of committing several murders, stating that approximately sixty family members had been arrested.

The family denied any collaboration with Israel but admitted in a statement that some members had committed "transgressions" without providing further details. They further accused Hamas security services of indiscriminately targeting all family members.

"In recent days, merely belonging to the Doghmush family was enough to be shot in the legs, killed, arrested, or have your house burned down," declared Abu al-Hassan Doghmush, a prominent clan figure, on Facebook.

Hamas has experienced repeated violent confrontations with Gaza's clans, including the Doghmush, since seizing power in the Gaza Strip in 2007.

On Sunday, Gaza's interior ministry announced the establishment of a "general amnesty period" for "members of criminal gangs" who had not committed murders during the war.

AFP reporters have observed Hamas security forces deploying across various urban areas, markets, and roads throughout the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire took effect on Friday.