Posted on 06/01/2025 5:05:43 AM PDT by bert
These clans act like armed militias, forcibly seizing food, looting warehouses, and shooting to protect their members from Hamas security forces.
Armed clans are reasserting themselves in the Gaza Strip, challenging Hamas’s authority, particularly in areas where the IDF is conducting operations and Hamas has lost control, senior IDF officials told Walla.
Sources told Saudi-owned site Al Hadath on Sunday that Hamas has lost security control over the Gaza Strip, adding that thieves and gangs seize aid, loot homes, and terrorize residents.
According to a senior IDF officer, these clans act like armed militias, forcibly seizing food, looting warehouses, and shooting to protect their members from Hamas security forces.
The influence of these clans predates the current conflict, rooted in longstanding smuggling networks trafficking weapons, drugs, cigarettes, and electronic goods from Egypt and Israel. Over the years, Hamas reached understandings with some of these clans, occasionally even cooperating with them, particularly during the massacre and looting on October 7.
Hamas’s hold weakened further as the IDF carried out ground operations and divided Gaza. Following the ceasefire announcement, Hamas forces deployed convoys to both the north and south, aiming to reassert control. These forces responded harshly to defiant clans, employing arrests, torture, knee shootings, and even killings to quell opposition.
The Abu Shabab clan, led by Yasser Abu Shabab of the Tarabin family, has emerged as a leading force. After being expelled from Rafah, the clan has operated aggressively in the north and south. Palestinian reports indicate that the group both secures humanitarian aid convoys and loots them. Hamas has accused the clan of collaborating with Israel.
What are the other groups challenging Hamas's monopoly on power? Another significant group is the Dughmush clan - also known as Dajmash - which hails from Tel al-Hawa and al-Sabra in Gaza City. This clan was previously involved in the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit and has a history of violent confrontations with Hamas. Its leader was killed last year amid allegations of ties to Israel.
Security sources say most of these clans are motivated by a desire for power and wealth rather than ideology. They are exploiting Hamas’s weakened position to expand their influence, sometimes proving to be as effective as Hamas itself.
Other active clans include the Abu Tir clan, which operated in Khan Yunis and specialized in smuggling from Sinai; the Al Kashk clan, based in Gaza City and closely linked to local centers of authority; the Abu Risha clan, which was active in Rafah and maintained ties with Salafi groups; the Shawish clan, a relatively small but active group in Gaza; and the Baraka clan, which is affiliated with Fatah and operates primarily in Gaza City.
Former security officials caution that as long as these clans remain armed, they will pose a threat to Hamas’s authority. “There is no vacuum in Gaza,” said one official. “If Hamas gunmen are not present, clan members will try to impose their own order. Should a ceasefire hold, Hamas will have to confront this entrenched problem. If not, the clans will only grow stronger. They are not waiting for anyone.”
Armed forces separate from the IDF are operating to quell the Hamas dominence and to expel the remnants. The clans are militarily policing their territories to insure that the supplies and aid are not hijacked by the Hamas terrorists.
Hamas is now surely in the throes of death
Arabs going tribal. It’s what they do.
The devil you know? The devil you don’t know?
The exit of Hamas will lead to savage warlords. As it has been for 4000 yrs.
Let’s hope the tribe that believes in rebuilding Gaza and living in peace succeeds.
They're ALL terrorists.
Any that aren't, have left, or had better get out now.
Klans taking over Gaza? Sounds like something they will blame Trump for!
Brother against brother within the family. But my family against all other families. And my clan against all other clans. And my tribe against all other tribes. This is Islam.
JUST MELT IT ALL DOWN.
NONE CAN BE TRUSTED
IMO-—THAT DOES NOT EXIST
Rival Arab clans even among Arabs who are Israeli citizens are a violent problem. One hundred or more known murders of each other within Israel; probably many more unreported, and many, many more in Muslim administered areas.
Does anyone have the popcorn concession on this?
:^)
Time for an archival tagline.
Such a lovely people
A civil war is what they need.
just more proof that there are no “good guys” in the gaza population ... zero ... nada ... none ... they are ALL savages ...
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