By Noureddine Omar | 2025-12-06

In a desperate bid to regain control, Hamas has launched a widespread crackdown on Gaza clans and families, many of whom are cooperating with the Palestinian Authority and seeking peace, Palestinian activists told Al-Fassel.

On October 12, more than 20 Palestinians were killed in gun battles between Hamas and members of the Dughmush clan, who reside in the Sabra and Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods south of Gaza City.

The exchange of fire occurred days after a ceasefire went into effect in the Gaza Strip.

The Dughmush clan had accused Hamas of executing their head man during the last war based on Hamas's prior accusation that the leader had been collaborating with Israel.

Hamas forces raided the neighborhood of the al-Majayda clan in Khan Younis in October, killing several clan members.

Clan's refusal to deal with Hamas

"Since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, it has clashed repeatedly with Gaza's clans and families in an attempt to completely subjugate them and ensure its dominance," Saad Yassin, a media figure and Fatah leader, told Al-Fassel

"Following the recent war and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, the movement felt it had largely lost control of the Strip," he added.

Yassin noted that clan groups stepped in to maintain security, prevent attacks and thefts, and oversee aid distribution for civilians, due to the absence of any security authorities.

"The execution of several Dughmush clan members by Hamas security forces was provoked by the clan's refusal to deal with Hamas and its preference for coordinating with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority," he added.

"In a bid to reassert control over the Strip, Hamas elements are carrying out indiscriminate assassinations targeting anyone who opposes their existence," Palestinian activist Nizar al-Madhoun told Al-Fassel.

He said the people of the Gaza Strip are perturbed with Hamas because its actions have "caused the death and displacement of tens of thousands of civilians."

Who are these clans?

Al-Madhoun indicated that there are many major clans that reject Hamas's return to power.

"The most prominent are the Dughmush , al-Madhoun, al-Safadi, al-Najjar, al-Shawa, al-Agha, al-Majayda, al-Astal, Helles, and al-Wadiyya clans, which have ave a historical presence across Palestine and specifically in Gaza," he said.

"The clans prioritize peace and calm to protect civilian lives and categorically reject the logic of war, a position that is incompatible with Hamas," he added.

Al-Madhoun said that Hamas's attempts to regain control and take grip of the security authorities in the Gaza Strip are desperate.