4 Tribes and Armed Groups Challenge Hamas in Gaza

SadaNews - During the war in Gaza, Hamas faced, alongside a decline in its power, growing internal challenges to its control over the sector, from old rivals many of whom belong to powerful local tribes, according to Reuters.

Since the ceasefire came into effect last Friday, Hamas has sought to restore its dominance, killing dozens of its opponents in a strict campaign, after it seemingly received a green light from the U.S. to temporarily take on the security control of the devastated sector.

Below are some of the main tribes and entities whose members have clashed with Hamas forces over the past two years.

Abu Shabab Tribe

Yasser Abu Shabab, based in the Rafah area, is considered one of the most prominent tribal leaders opposing Hamas, operating in part of southern Gaza still occupied by Israeli forces.

According to a source close to Abu Shabab, his group has attracted hundreds of fighters by offering enticing salaries. Hamas accuses him of collaborating with Israel, which Abu Shabab denies.

The Abu Shabab tribe is a Bedouin group located in the eastern area of Rafah. It is unclear whether the entire tribe supports Abu Shabab’s actions. The tribe's estimated strength is around 400 men.

Dagmash Tribe

Dagmash is one of the largest and strongest tribes in Gaza, widely known for being well-armed for a long time. The tribe's leaders view weaponry as a traditional necessity for defending their land.

Members of the tribe have affiliations with various armed Palestinian groups, including the Fatah and Hamas movements.

Mu'taz Dagmash, a key leader of the tribe, previously led the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza. He later formed the 'Army of Islam' that pledged allegiance to ISIS.

In 2006, the 'Army of Islam' participated alongside other factions and Hamas in the cross-border attack that resulted in the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

The soldier was later released in a swap deal.

Mu'taz Dagmash’s whereabouts have remained unknown since before the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023. Hamas previously clashed with the tribe due to its refusal to disarm and the abduction of a British journalist by its 'Army'.

Hamas militants have clashed with members of the Dagmash tribe on the past Sunday and Monday, resulting in the deaths of several tribe members alongside several from Hamas, according to security sources. There is no evidence that Mu'taz Dagmash took part in the recent clashes; he has not been seen in public or heard from in years.

Majayda Tribe

This large and powerful tribe is based in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and has clashed with Hamas militants in recent months.

Earlier this month, Hamas raided the tribe's area to arrest men they claimed were wanted for killing Hamas members, followed by a gunfire exchange resulting in fatalities on both sides, according to statements from Hamas and tribe members.

Sources close to the tribe deny Hamas's accusations that its members are connected to Abu Shabab. They accuse Hamas of using the raid as a pretext for targeted killings, citing a document they claimed to have found with the bodies of Hamas militants killed during the raid.

Nevertheless, the leader of the Majayda tribe issued a statement on social media on Monday affirming his support for the security campaign launched by Hamas to maintain law and order in Gaza, urging tribe members to cooperate. The tribe includes individuals from various affiliations, including those connected to both Fatah and Hamas.

Hals

The Hals are a large tribe in Gaza City, concentrated in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood.

A few months ago, Rami Hals, a senior member of the tribe, and Ahmad Jundiya, from another large tribe in Shuja'iyya, formed a group operating in defiance of Hamas in areas of the Shuja'iyya neighborhood that are still under Israeli military control.