Hamas Cracks Down on Armed Groups in Gaza, Ending Post-War Chaos

Strategic Insights -

Gaza is witnessing a new round of violence as Hamas fights against armed groups it accuses of collaborating with Israel. The turmoil began after the February ceasefire, with clashes erupting between Hamas and groups such as the Doghmosh clan and Rami Helles's faction. These armed groups, estimated to number in the hundreds, have been accused of spreading lawlessness and targeting Hamas fighters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas has been fighting against multiple armed groups in Gaza, including the Al-Majayda clan, the Abu Shabab Group, and the Doghmosh clan.
  • These groups have been accused of collaborating with Israel and targeting Hamas fighters.
  • Hamas has accused the Abu Shabab Group of "serving Israel" and has repeatedly tried to exploit Israeli bombardments to infiltrate neighborhoods and loot civilians.
  • Hossam al-Astal's group, consisting of roughly 40 fighters, has shown limited activity and carried out no major attacks despite being sentenced to death by Hamas.
  • The Al-Majayda clan, one of Gaza's largest clans, has pledged to hand over unlicensed weapons and support Hamas in combating "security chaos."
  • Central Gaza has seen the emergence of two small armed groups, the Abu Khammash and Abu Moghaiseb factions, which were quickly crushed by Hamas.
  • Hamas has also clashed with the Doghmosh clan, accusing them of killing Al-Qassam fighters and attempting to assassinate more fighters.
  • Israeli airstrikes have disrupted Hamas's operations against these armed groups, with reports suggesting that a Palestinian operative from Shujaiya who had fought alongside Israel for pay was mistakenly identified as an Israeli soldier killed in a tunnel blast in Jabalia in May 2024.
  • Hamas is implementing a comprehensive plan to eliminate these gangs gradually to maintain control over Gaza.
  • US President Donald Trump has spoken approbatively of Hamas's actions, stating that they "took out two very evil gangs" in Gaza.

Statistics:

  • 20 Doghmosh members and 6 Hamas fighters have been killed in the clashes between Hamas and the Doghmosh clan.
  • The Abu Shabab Group is estimated to number in the hundreds.
  • Hossam al-Astal's group consists of roughly 40 fighters.
  • 20 Hamas fighters were killed during clashes with Israeli forces in Gaza.
  • At least 40 fighters have been killed in clashes between Hamas and armed groups since the war.

Sources:

  • A two-year war on Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
  • Saudi Research and Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
  • SyndiGate Media Inc.