Clashes erupt between Hamas forces and armed extended family individuals in Gaza City – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: Escalation of Violence in Gaza City

Gaza City has long been a focal point of conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories, but recent clashes between Hamas-backed security forces and armed individuals from the Dughmush extended family have intensified tensions within the enclave. Witnesses report that fighting erupted near the Jordanian Hospital in Tel al-Hawa, resulting in at least 27 fatalities—19 Dughmush militia members and 8 Hamas combatants—as of October 13, 2025. This internal strife unfolds against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, with residents describing scenes of unprecedented disruption as families flee repeated attacks. This article examines the socio-political dynamics behind the violence, the implications for Gaza’s fragile stability, and the broader geopolitical fallout.

Analysis: Unraveling the Roots of the Conflict

Historical Tensions Between Hamas and the Dughmush Clan

The Dughmush family, a prominent Palestinian clan with deep roots in Gaza, has historically maintained a complex relationship with Hamas. While the group acknowledges Hamas’s role in governing Gaza post-2007, it has repeatedly clashed with the organization over territorial control and resource allocation. Sources from Dughmush allies claim its members were forced to retreat to the Jordanian Hospital compound after losing their homes in Israeli airstrikes, sparking tensions with Hamas over alleged efforts to seize the site for military purposes.

Geopolitical Significance of Tel al-Hawa

Tel al-Hawa, a densely populated district in southern Gaza City, has become a flashpoint due to its proximity to critical infrastructure, including the Jordanian Hospital—a rare civilian facility in war-torn Gaza. Hamas reportedly deployed over 300 armed personnel to “clear” the area, according to eyewitness accounts, though the group denies any intention to establish a base there. This area’s strategic value lies in its role as a transit corridor between northern and southern Gaza, which Israel has targeted in past operations.

The Role of Israeli Military Operations

Israeli military campaigns, such as the controversial raids on Sabra neighborhood, have displaced thousands of Gazans, including Dughmush family members. These displacements often exacerbate local grievances, as armed groups seek refuge in institutional buildings or contested zones. Analysts suggest that Hamas’s push to centralize security forces—recalling ~7,000 members in recent weeks—aims to preempt rival factions from capitalizing on instability, yet such actions risk provoking further intra-factional violence.

Summary: Key Events and Casualties

The clashes began on October 13, 2025, when Hamas forces, clad in both civilian attire and Gaza Police uniforms, stormed Tel al-Hawa amid heavy gunfire. Nunavut reported 27 deaths, including 19 Dughmush militants and 8 Hamas fighters. Residents described a chaotic evacuation of families, with many seeking shelter in neighboring shelters or fleeing outright. Both parties traded blame: Hamas accused Dughmush of initiating hostilities, while Dughmush representatives denied responsibility, alleging forced eviction from their stronghold.

Key Points: A Breakdown of the Incident

• 🔥 Casualty Toll: 27 fatalities (19 Dughmush, 8 Hamas).
• 🔥 Location: Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, near Jordanian Hospital.
• 🔥 Trigger: Clashes began after Hamas units ambushed Dughmush fighters entrenched in a former hospital wing.
• 🔥 Displacement: Hundreds of residents fled their homes due to ongoing combat.
• 🔥 Historical Context: Dughmush-Hamas tensions predate these clashes, rooted in territorial disputes.

Practical Advice: Navigating Conflict Zones

Safety Protocols for Civilians

For residents in conflict-prone areas like Gaza City, experts advise:

• 💡 Avoid traveling during active fighting hours (dawn to dusk).
• 💡 Identify nearby shelters and stock emergency supplies (water, medical kits).
• 💡 Monitor local radio broadcasts for evacuation orders or ceasefire announcements.

International Aid Guidelines

Humanitarian organizations emphasize the importance of impartial aid delivery in conflict zones. Teams operating in Gaza must adhere to strict safety protocols, including:

• 💡 Coordinating with local authorities for site access.
• 💡 Avoiding areas with military or paramilitary activity.
• 💡 Providing psychological support to trauma-affected populations.

Points of Caution: Risks of Escalation

Experts warn that the clash between Hamas and the Dughmush clan could ignite broader instability in Gaza. Factors contributing to risk escalation include:

• 🚨 Fragile ceasefire agreements with Israel, which could be undermined by intra-Palestinian violence.
• 🚨 Fragmentation of Hamas’s authority, emboldening rival factions like Islamic Jihad.
• 🚨 Economic collapse, as displacement and infrastructure damage paralyze daily life.

Comparison: Historical Parallels

This conflict echoes past intra-Palestinian violence, such as the 2006-2007 clashes between Fatah and Hamas that preceded Israel’s Gaza offensive. Both episodes highlight the fragility of governance in divided territories. However, today’s scenario is unique due to Israel’s diminished physical presence post-2005 withdrawal, leaving Hamas to navigate internal opposition unaided by Israeli military oversight.

Legal Implications: Accountability and International Law

Under international humanitarian law (IHL), both Hamas and the Dughmush clan may face accountability for disproportionate use of force. The Jordanian Hospital, a protected civilian site under ICRC rules, cannot be repurposed for military operations. If Hamas forces indeed sought to occupy the facility, this could constitute a war crime, complicating their moral and legal standing internationally.

Conclusion: A Fragile Future for Gaza

The clashes underscore the untenable conditions in Gaza, where internal divisions compound external pressures. Without diplomatic intervention, the cycle of violence threatens to further destabilize the region. International actors must prioritize dialogue to address grievances, while humanitarian agencies prepare for surges in displacement and trauma. The coming weeks will determine whether Gaza’s fragile peace can survive this internal storm.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the Dughmush clan?

A: A prominent Palestinian family with a history of political influence in Gaza. They have clashed with Hamas over territorial and governance issues.

Q: Why is the Jordanian Hospital significant in this conflict?

A: It served as a temporary shelter for displaced Dughmush members after Israeli airstrikes destroyed their homes. Hamas’s alleged attempt to occupy the site triggered the clashes.

Q: How does this incident reflect Hamas’s internal challenges?

A: Hamas faces growing dissent from armed groups like the Dughmush clan, which challenges its monopoly on security and governance in Gaza.

Sources: Verified Reports and Citations

• 📰 Global News: Clashes Erupt Between Hamas and Dughmush Clan
• 📰 Al Jazeera: Gaza’s Internal Power Struggles
• 📰 Common Human Rights Daily: IHL Violations