Gaza's Powerful Clans Challenge Hamas Control Following Extended Conflict and Ceasefire

Gaza:

Throughout the prolonged Gaza conflict, Hamas experienced diminishing control over the territory as powerful local clans and longstanding rivals increasingly challenged their authority.

Following the implementation of Friday's ceasefire, Hamas has made concerted efforts to reestablish dominance, reportedly eliminating dozens of opponents in a sweeping crackdown, seemingly with tacit American approval to temporarily maintain order in the devastated enclave.

Several key clans and influential figures have emerged as significant opponents to Hamas governance during the past two years of conflict.

The Abu Shabab Clan, led by Yasser Abu Shabab and based in Rafah's southern region, stands as the most prominent anti-Hamas clan leadership. Their operations continue in southern Gaza areas still under Israeli occupation.

According to sources close to Abu Shabab, his organization has successfully enlisted hundreds of fighters by providing competitive compensation. Hamas alleges Israeli collaboration, accusations Abu Shabab consistently refutes.

This Bedouin clan primarily occupies eastern Rafah territories. The extent of clan-wide support for Abu Shabab's initiatives remains unclear. Intelligence estimates place his personal fighting force at approximately 400 combatants.

The Doghmosh Clan represents one of Gaza's largest and most heavily armed family networks, traditionally viewing weapons possession as cultural necessity for territorial defense. Its members maintain affiliations across various Palestinian factions, including both Fatah and Hamas.

Mumtaz Doghmosh, a significant clan leader, previously commanded the Popular Resistance Committees' military wing in Gaza City before establishing the "Army of Islam," which declared Islamic State allegiance. This faction participated alongside Hamas in the 2006 cross-border operation resulting in Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit's capture, who was later freed through prisoner exchange.

Mumtaz Doghmosh's location has remained unknown since before October 7, 2023, when the current conflict began. Hamas has historically confronted this clan over disarmament refusals and the Army of Islam's kidnapping of a British journalist.

Recent violent confrontations between Hamas fighters and Doghmosh clan members occurred Sunday and Monday, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides according to security sources. No evidence suggests Mumtaz Doghmosh participated in these recent clashes, as he has been absent from public view for several years.

The Al-Majayda Clan, another substantial and influential family network centered in southern Gaza's Khan Younis, has experienced increasing tensions with Hamas forces in recent months.

Earlier this month, Hamas conducted raids in clan-controlled areas, attempting to apprehend individuals allegedly responsible for killing Hamas members. The operation escalated into armed conflict with casualties reported by both Hamas and clan representatives.

Sources within the clan reject Hamas accusations regarding connections with Abu Shabab. They counter that Hamas utilized the raids as justification for targeted killings, referencing documentation allegedly recovered from deceased Hamas fighters during the confrontation.

Nevertheless, the clan's leadership recently issued a public statement supporting Hamas' security initiatives to maintain order throughout Gaza, encouraging clan members to cooperate. The clan maintains diverse political affiliations, including both Fatah and Hamas loyalties.

The Hellis clan represents another major family network centered in Gaza City's Shejaia suburb. Several months ago, senior clan member Rami Hellis collaborated with Ahmed Jundeya from another prominent Shejaia clan to establish an opposition group operating independently from Hamas within Shejaia areas currently under Israeli military control.