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Multiple sources confirmed Monday that several people died in Gaza City over the weekend during fierce clashes between Hamas security forces and members of the local Doghmush clan.
The fighting first erupted last week, shortly after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into force. According to witnesses who spoke to AFP anonymously for safety reasons, heavy gunfire broke out on Sunday evening in the Sabra district of Gaza City.
“Around 200 Hamas security officers fought until they completely subdued the clan members,” a resident recounted. “There were deaths and injuries among the Doghmush family, as well as casualties within the security forces.”
Another neighbour said calm was restored to the area only around 9:30 p.m. (1830 GMT).
An Interior Ministry official under Hamas confirmed that fatalities occurred on both sides.
The ministry accused the Doghmush clan of collaborating with Israeli forces and being responsible for several murders, stating that about sixty clan members had been detained.
In response, the Doghmush family denied any links with Israel but admitted that certain members had committed unspecified “transgressions.”
The clan also accused Hamas security forces of indiscriminate violence, claiming that merely being a Doghmush was enough to face arrest, injury, or the destruction of property.
Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007, has frequently clashed with powerful local clans, including the Doghmush.
On Sunday, Gaza’s Interior Ministry announced a “general amnesty period” for members of criminal groups who had not murdered during the recent conflict.
Since the ceasefire began on Friday, AFP reporters have observed Hamas security personnel stationed throughout Gaza’s streets, markets, and major roads to maintain order.
