In brief
In Gaza, Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 members of its security forces to regain control of areas from which Israeli troops have recently withdrawn. This move comes in light of increasing violence, particularly following the killing of two Hamas members by the Dughmush clan, leading to heightened tensions within the territory. Analysts express concerns about the prospects of a civil conflict as weapons circulate following the recent turmoil experienced in the region.
Hamas has recalled about 7,000 members of its security forces to reassert control over areas of Gaza recently vacated by Israeli troops, according to local sources. The Palestinian group has also appointed five new governors, all with military backgrounds, some of whom previously commanded brigades in its armed wing. The mobilisation order was reportedly issued via phone calls and text messages which said the aim was to 'cleanse Gaza of outlaws and collaborators with Israel' and instructed fighters to report within 24 hours.Reports from Gaza suggest that armed Hamas units are already deployed across several districts, some wearing civilian clothes and others in police uniforms. Tensions rose sharply after two members of Hamas's elite forces were shot dead by gunmen from the Dughmush clan in Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood, one being the son of a senior Hamas commander. Their bodies were left in the street, raising the prospect of a major armed response by Hamas.Following this incident, Hamas has taken aggressive steps by surrounding areas believed to harbor over 300 Dughmush gunmen. Reports indicate actions taken by Hamas have led to apprehending members of the Dughmush clan and a growing concern of increased internal violence. Human rights experts warn that Gaza is politically destabilizing and risks civil war as armed groups grow ever more rampant amidst the chaos.The Hamas mobilization had been widely anticipated amid growing uncertainty about governance in Gaza following the war. This raises crucial questions regarding potential peace agreements, laden with complexity due to ongoing violence and factional tensions. Analysts fear the situation could exacerbate the suffering of the Gazan population already afflicted by years of conflict.
