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 clan - one of the largest families in southern Gaza.
Per Hamas, its forces carried out an operation in the area to apprehend people accused of collaborating with Israeli authorities.
However, local accounts detailed an attack by around 50 men using multiple vehicles, equipped with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, who invaded the al-Mujaida quarter and killed five individuals from the clan.
Clan fighters immediately retaliated, sparking prolonged gun battles with sustained gunfire.
Accounts spreading through social media – challenging to confirm – claim that over eleven Hamas fighters were fatally wounded, with some of their bodies allegedly pulled along the streets.
Recordings widely shared on the internet, without independent verification, appear to show numerous wounded bodies in military fatigues, accompanied by a narration claiming they were members of Hamas's "special forces unit".
Another clip recorded automatic weapon fire and a rocket-propelled grenade impacting a apartment block in the neighborhood.
Tribal mediators later intervened to mediate between the opposing groups, leading to an handover of casualties aimed at control the escalation.
While the exact motives are still uncertain, the clash has increased concern among Palestinians.
Many are concerned that widespread weapons, friction between powerful families and Hamas's grip on power could escalate into situations resembling internal conflict in a territory already affected by population movement, destruction, and fear of increased chaos.
Experts propose that the level of resentment which Hamas encounters from its many opponents – whom it has humiliated during its 17 years governance – is thought to be a key factor driving the group to decline the truce agreement.
Furthermore, there is concern of deadly retaliation, of being killed in the streets, since the proposal demands Hamas to fully surrender weapons.
Indications indicate that the commander of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has expressed disagreement regarding the plan, which was unveiled recently.
The ceasefire plan includes a cut-off point for Hamas to accept or confront serious outcomes.
