Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza saw some of the most intense domestic fighting since hostilities commenced, between Hamas security personnel against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - among the biggest clans in southern Gaza.
Per Hamas, its security personnel carried out an operation in the area to apprehend people accused of working with Israeli authorities.
On the other hand, eyewitness reports described an armed assault by around fifty armed individuals traveling in five pickup trucks, armed with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who entered forcefully the al-Mujaida neighborhood and eliminated five members from the family.
Family members with weapons immediately retaliated, initiating prolonged confrontations with sustained exchanges of fire.
Accounts circulating on online platforms – challenging to confirm – claim that at least 11 Hamas personnel were fatally wounded, with multiple remains reportedly paraded in the streets.
Recordings broadly distributed on the internet, that haven't been confirmed, seem to depict several bloodied casualties in combat uniforms, along with a audio commentary stating they belonged to Hamas's "Sahm Unit".
Separate video captured automatic weapon fire and an RPG striking a apartment block in the neighborhood.
Local elders eventually mediated to facilitate talks between the opposing groups, leading to an handover of casualties aimed at control the deterioration.
While the underlying causes continue to be ambiguous, the confrontation has increased anxiety among local population.
A significant number worry that widespread weapons, friction between powerful families and Hamas's political dominance could spiral into circumstances reminiscent of civil war in a territory already experiencing displacement, devastation, and fear of increased chaos.
Analysts suggest that the degree of hostility which Hamas confronts from its many opponents – groups that have been suppressed during its 17 years governance – is believed to be a significant component motivating the group to oppose the ceasefire plan.
Additionally, there is apprehension of deadly retaliation, of meeting violent ends in the public spaces, since the proposal mandates Hamas to completely disarm.
Indications suggest that the commander of Hamas's combat unit in Gaza has voiced opposition regarding the proposal, which was presented recently.
The ceasefire plan includes a cut-off point for Hamas to comply or confront severe consequences.
