Hamas Asserts Control Over Gaza Through Crackdown on Rival Clans and Militias

After months of relative quiet, Hamas has resumed its role as the dominant force in the Gaza Strip, waging a violent campaign against rival clans and militias that had challenged its authority. The group's rejuvenated grip on power has significant implications for the future of Gaza and President Donald Trump's peace plan, which calls for Hamas to disarm and cede control to a new, independent government.

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas has launched a coordinated and methodical campaign to reassert control over local families and militias that had challenged its power during the past two years of war, including those that had received support from Israel.
• The group's efforts have been marked by public executions, armed raids, and the disbandment of rival clans and militias, with Hamas officials citing the need to maintain order and control in the region.
• Hamas's argument is that it is part of the Gazan social and administrative fabric and should continue to play a role in governance, possibly as a rebranded political party merged with other Palestinian factions.
• The details regarding disarmament and governance will have to be ironed out in negotiations with Israel, which could last several months or longer.
• Israeli security analysts have reported that Hamas has been coordinating with anti-Hamas militias since the outbreak of the Gaza war, and the group's efforts to assert control may be exacerbating the divide between Palestinian factions.

Statistics:

• Over 100 gunmen in Hamas uniforms were involved in a major clash with the Mujaida clan in Khan Younis on October 3.
• An estimated 25 Doghmush clansmen were killed and 45 were arrested by Hamas in an attack on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
• At least 8 men accused of collaborating with Israel were executed at point-blank range by Hamas in a busy street in Gaza City.
• The Abu Shabab militia, which is a major challenger to Hamas's control, now boasts 2,000 men and has received support from Israel, including aid, intelligence, and weapons.

Sources:

• The Washington Post
• Israeli security analysts
• Arab mediators
• Palestinian Authority security official Rashid al-Mohanadi
• Former head of the Palestinian Authority intelligence service Tawfik Tirawi
• Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
• Doghmush clan members
• Mujaida clan member
• Abu Shabab militia leaders (including Yusef Mazen)
• Yasser Abu Shabab