Hamas Gaza clashes with the Doghmush clan leave several dead in Gaza City days after ceasefire, with dozens arrested and tensions rising
The Hamas Gaza clashes over the weekend have left several people dead following violent confrontations between Hamas security forces and members of the Doghmush clan in Gaza City.
Also read: Donald Trump brokers historic Gaza peace deal
According to multiple sources, the fighting broke out after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, escalating tensions in the war-torn enclave.
Witnesses reported intense gunfire on Sunday evening in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City, where around 200 Hamas security officers battled the clan until they “completely subdued” them. Locals said the confrontation left several dead and wounded on both sides.
Calm only returned to the area around 9:30 pm, according to nearby residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fears for their safety.
A source from the Hamas-run Interior Ministry confirmed that fatalities occurred on both sides, accusing the Doghmush clan of being linked to Israeli forces and responsible for several killings.
About sixty clan members were reportedly arrested during the operation.
The Doghmush family, however, denied any collaboration with Israel. In a statement, it acknowledged that some members had committed “transgressions” but condemned Hamas forces for what it called indiscriminate targeting.
“In recent days, it was enough to belong to the Doghmush family to be shot in the legs, killed, arrested, or have your house burned down,” Abu al-Hassan Doghmush, a senior clan member, wrote on Facebook.
Following its takeover of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has had several violent encounters with powerful clans, including the Doghmush.
The latest Hamas Gaza clashes highlight ongoing tensions between local families and Hamas’ security apparatus.
On Sunday, Gaza’s Interior Ministry announced a “general amnesty period” for “members of criminal gangs” who had not committed murders during the conflict.
Also read: Israel bombs Gaza City after Trump ceasefire appeal
Since the ceasefire’s implementation on Friday, Hamas forces have been seen redeploying across Gaza’s urban centres, markets, and roads, in a show of control following days of unrest.
