Gaza City Clashes Kill Dozens as Hamas Battles Al-Mujaida Clan

**Hamas** is a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization that functions both as a political party and a militant group, primarily operating in the Gaza Strip, which it has governed since 2007. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin amid the First Intifada, Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and initially had covert Israeli support as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)[3][1]. It combines political governance with an armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, committed to armed resistance against Israel, which it refuses to recognize as a legitimate state[1][3]. Hamas’s political rise culminated in a 2006 electoral victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council, campaigning on anti-corruption and resistance platforms. After violently seizing Gaza from the rival Fatah faction in 2007, Hamas has maintained de facto control there despite international isolation and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt[3]. Its governance has been marked by repeated conflicts with Israel, including major wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the ongoing intense conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise October 2023 attack killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking hostages[1][2][3]. Hamas benefits from regional support, especially from Iran, which supplies funding and weapons, as well as financial and political backing from Turkey and Qatar. These alliances form part of a broader "axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad[2]. Hamas also operates fundraising networks globally, sometimes using charities as fronts to support its military activities[4]. The group is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, which has increased military aid to Israel following recent escalations[2][6]. Despite modifying its 1988 charter in 2017 to soften some language, Hamas continues to reject Israel’s legitimacy and pursues all forms of resistance[1]. Its enduring political

The al-Mujaida clan is a prominent Fatah-affiliated family based in the al-Mujaida Quarter of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Historically, the clan has played a significant role in local power dynamics, often positioning itself as a counterweight to Hamas’s authority. While not a formal business or technology organization, the al-Mujaida clan’s influence stems from its control over territory, security, and community resources, making it a key player in Gaza’s shifting governance landscape. The clan’s recent prominence surged amid escalating tensions with Hamas, particularly following a violent raid on October 3, 2025, when Hamas forces targeted the al-Mujaida Quarter, accusing clan members of collaborating with Israel and anti-Hamas militias. The clash, which involved hundreds of Hamas gunmen and resulted in multiple casualties on both sides, highlighted the clan’s resilience and ability to organize armed resistance. Notably, the al-Mujaida clan successfully repelled the initial assault, reportedly killing and dragging the bodies of several Hamas operatives through the streets—a symbolic act that underscored their defiance. Beyond armed conflict, the clan’s significance lies in its role as a local power broker. In a region marked by societal breakdown, the al-Mujaida clan has maintained order within its neighborhood, providing security and basic services to residents. This has positioned them as an alternative to Hamas’s rule, especially as new anti-Hamas militias, such as the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, have emerged to challenge the Islamist group’s monopoly on power. Today, the al-Mujaida clan remains a symbol of resistance against Hamas’s repression. Their ability to mobilize resources, defend their territory, and collaborate with other anti-Hamas factions reflects a broader trend of decentralized governance in Gaza. For those interested in the intersection of local power structures, security, and community resilience, the al-Mujaida clan offers a compelling case study of how traditional clan networks adapt to modern challenges in conflict zones.