Post by : Rameen Ariff

Violent clashes erupted over the weekend in Gaza City between Hamas security forces and members of the Doghmush clan, leaving several people dead and many injured, multiple sources reported on Monday.

The skirmishes began last week after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. Witnesses reported that heavy gunfire took place in the Sabra neighborhood on Sunday evening. One resident said, “About 200 Hamas security forces fought until they completely subdued the clan members. There were dead and wounded on both sides.” Calm returned to the area around 9:30 pm (1830 GMT).

A source from Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry confirmed fatalities on both sides. The ministry accused the Doghmush clan of links with Israeli forces and of committing several murders. Around sixty clan members were reportedly arrested.

The Doghmush family denied collaboration with Israel but admitted that some members had committed “transgressions.” They also claimed that Hamas targeted all family members indiscriminately. Leading clan figure Abu al-Hassan Doghmush stated on Facebook, “In recent days, it was enough to belong to the Doghmush family to be shot, killed, arrested, or have your house burned down.”

Since taking control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has had repeated violent confrontations with local clans, including the Doghmush. On Sunday, the interior ministry announced a “general amnesty period” for gang members who had not committed murders during the war.

Since the ceasefire began on Friday, reporters have observed Hamas forces deployed in urban areas, markets, and along roads throughout the Gaza Strip.

#Global