Heavy Fighting Near Jordanian Hospital
Fierce armed clashes broke out on Sunday in Gaza City between Hamas security forces and the Dughmush (also spelled Doghmush) clan, local reports say, marking one of the deadliest internal confrontations in Gaza in recent weeks.
Eyewitnesses reported masked Hamas gunmen exchanging fire with clan fighters in the Sabra neighbourhood, particularly around the area near the Jordanian Hospital and the Tel al-Hawa district.
Casualties & Arrests Reported
According to medical and security sources:
- At least 27 people have died in the clashes.
- Among the dead are 8 Hamas fighters and 19 members of the Dughmush clan.
- Hamas’s Interior Ministry said that its security units had surrounded the militia, engaging them to detain operators.
- In the aftermath, Hamas reportedly arrested about 60 clan members in connection with the fighting.
Death of Journalist Amid Crossfire
Among the fatalities was Saleh al-Jafarawi, a 28-year-old Palestinian journalist and social media figure. He was killed while covering the conflict, having been declared missing earlier in the day.
Al Jafarawi had become known for his videos related to the war, and his death has drawn attention to the dangers faced by media personnel operating in volatile zones.
Context: Rising Internal Tensions After Ceasefire
These clashes come just days after a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hamas, along with a prisoner and hostage exchange agreement.
Since the ceasefire, analysts note that internal pressures, rivalries, and fractures within Gaza have begun emerging more visibly.
The Dughmush clan has a long history of tensions with Hamas, including allegations of smuggling, illicit activity, and prior conflicts over influence in Gaza.
Some observers say Hamas may be attempting to reassert strict security control in Gaza and crack down on armed groups operating independently of its command.
Risks & Possible Ramifications
- The outbreak of internal violence weakens the fragile stability following the ceasefire and hostage deal.
- Civilian safety is at serious risk: neighborhoods under fire, hospitals nearby, and chaotic gun battles in densely populated areas.
- This may signal deeper fractures in Gaza’s power structure, especially as Hamas faces pressure both from outside and within.
- The clashes could draw further scrutiny from mediators and international actors, who may warn of renewed destabilization within Gaza.
