Fierce clashes erupted in Gaza City on October 11, 2025, between Hamas security forces and members of the Dughmush clan, one of Gaza’s most influential and historically powerful families. The confrontation, which rapidly escalated across multiple neighborhoods including Tel al-Hawa, resulted in at least 27 deaths, with reports indicating 19 Dughmush clan members and eight Hamas fighters killed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Background of the Dughmush Clan
The Dughmush clan, also spelled Doghmush, is based primarily in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. Over the decades, the clan has developed deep ties with multiple Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Fatah, and the Army of Islam, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group once led by Mumtaz Dughmush. Known for its strong local influence, the clan has a long history of violent clashes with Hamas, including a major confrontation in 2008 when a Hamas police officer was killed. That incident led to a Hamas raid on Dughmush strongholds, resulting in several clan fatalities.
The October 2025 Clashes
The recent outbreak of violence began when Hamas forces reportedly targeted a Dughmush stronghold near the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza City. The Dughmush clan alleges that Hamas exploited the ongoing ceasefire with Israel as a pretext to confront them, accusing some clan members of collaborating with Israel. Hamas officials, however, contend that Dughmush fighters ambushed Hamas operatives, killing two elite members and injuring five others.
Fighting quickly spread into Tel al-Hawa and other nearby areas, with heavy gunfire and localized street battles reported. According to eyewitnesses, the intense exchanges involved both armed clan members and Hamas security units, causing significant casualties and destruction.
Aftermath and Response
In the aftermath, the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry moved to restore order, issuing warnings against unauthorized armed actions. Authorities also extended a limited amnesty to individuals previously involved in theft or looting, provided they did not participate in the recent clashes.
The violence has heightened concerns about internal security in Gaza, especially in light of the recent ceasefire with Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly suggested that Hamas had been granted temporary authority to conduct internal security operations within the Gaza Strip, aiming to curb lawlessness and restore order after months of conflict.
Regional Implications
The clashes underscore the fragile stability of Gaza, where familial, political, and militant factions often intersect. Analysts warn that continued clashes between powerful local clans and Hamas could destabilize Gaza further, complicate humanitarian efforts, and risk reigniting broader conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful, urging all parties to avoid further bloodshed and work toward maintaining the fragile ceasefire in the region.
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