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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Hamas Battles Powerful Clans for Control in Gaza: Who are These Groups and What Threat Do They Pose?

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The cease-fire between Hamas and Israel has brought a temporary calm to Gaza, but the region is still plagued by violence as powerful clans vie for control. These clans have been a significant player in Palestinian politics for decades, and their relationships with Hamas and Fatah are constantly evolving. The clans are primarily collections of family groups in various parts of Gaza, and their influence can be felt throughout the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Dughmush clan, led by Mumtaz Dughmush, is one of the largest and most well-armed clans in Gaza City and was immediately targeted by Hamas after the ceasefire.
  • The al-Majayda clan holds sway in part of Khan Younis and has publicly supported Hamas' effort to regain control over Gaza.
  • The clans and their relationships with Hamas and Fatah are dynamic and constantly evolving, with members of both Hamas and Fatah belonging to clans.
  • Any attempt by Hamas or Fatah to disarm the clans would be met with serious opposition, according to Israeli historian Dror Ze'evi.
  • The clans played a significant role in Palestinian society during the First Intifada and Second Intifada, transforming into paramilitary organizations during the Second Intifada.
  • Israel has been backing some of the clans, including the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, to undermine Hamas' control over Gaza.
  • A dozen new militias have emerged across the strip in recent days, including one led by Hossam al-Astal, who claims to be an alternative force to Hamas.
  • The peace plan negotiated by US President Donald Trump, which calls for Hamas to disarm and withdraw from Palestinian politics, looks shakier by the day.
  • Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the Palestinian Authority assuming control of Gaza, leaving the possibility open for clans to become alternate centres of political power.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 750,000 Palestinians fled Israel to the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and neighbouring Arab states during the 1948 war.
  • Since the Second Intifada, some of the clans have transformed into paramilitary organizations, exploiting the security vacuum in Gaza.
  • Israel has been arming some Gazan clans, gangs, and militias, including the Popular Forces, to undermine Hamas' control over Gaza.
  • Over two dozen Palestinians have been killed in recent days in clashes between Hamas and clan members.
  • Hamas has reportedly executed blindfolded men in a public square, further fracturing the already fragile security situation in Gaza.

Sources:

  • The Conversation (Au and NZ) -- By Martin Kear, Sessional Lecturer, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney
  • Hamas is battling powerful clans for control in Gaza -- who are these groups and what threat do they pose? -- https://theconversation.com/hamas-is-battling-powerful-clans-for-control-in-gaza-who-are-these-groups-and-what-threat-do-they-pose-267446

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