Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Hamas and Doghmush Clan in Gaza After Ceasefire

Deadly clashes broke out in Gaza City over the weekend between Hamas security forces and members of the Doghmush clan, leaving several people dead and others injured, multiple sources confirmed on Monday.

The confrontation, which began last week shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, escalated into intense gunfights on Sunday evening in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to AFP under condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

“About 200 members of the Hamas security forces were present and fought until they completely subdued the clan members,” said one resident. “There were dead and wounded among the Doghmush family, as well as martyrs and injured among the security forces,” he added.

Another neighbour corroborated the account, noting that calm was only restored to the area around 9:30 p.m. (1830 GMT).

A source within the Hamas-run Interior Ministry confirmed there were casualties on both sides and accused the Doghmush clan of collaborating with Israeli forces and carrying out several murders. The source said around 60 members of the family had been arrested.

The Doghmush family, however, denied any cooperation with Israel. In a statement, the clan acknowledged that some members may have committed unspecified “transgressions” but condemned what it described as Hamas’s indiscriminate targeting of its members.

“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,” wrote Abu al-Hassan Doghmush, a senior clan figure, on Facebook.

Since seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas has frequently clashed with powerful local clans, including the Doghmush family, over issues of authority and loyalty.

On Sunday, the Gaza Interior Ministry announced a “general amnesty period” for members of so-called “criminal gangs” who had not committed murders during the recent conflict.

Following the ceasefire, AFP correspondents reported seeing Hamas security forces patrolling several urban centres, markets, and major roads across the Gaza Strip in an effort to maintain order.

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