Hamas crackdown in Gaza leaves dozens dead amid power struggle

At least 32 people have been killed in Gaza City during a Hamas weekend-long crackdown targeting what the group described as a "dangerous gang," just days after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in the Strip.

Although Hamas did not name its target in Gaza City, multiple media reports claimed it deployed as many as 2,000 of its fighters against the Doghmush clan, which it sees as one of its main rivals in the Strip, arresting and injuring dozens.

Hamas is said to have lost six of its combatants in the operations. Euronews could not independently confirm the casualty reports.

Since the truce, the Hamas-run Interior Ministry has deployed its units — with some estimates saying it could reach as many as 7,000 troops — across Gaza in what it said was an attempt to prevent lawlessness and a power vacuum.

However, multiple reports and sources on the ground Euronews spoke with have stated that Hamas, which Israel wants to see disarmed and disbanded in the subsequent phases of the ceasefire deal, has turned vindictive on its rivals and those openly opposing it over the past several days as it looks for a way to remain in power.

On 4 October, the group sent its elite Nukhba forces to Khan Younis in an apparent attack on the Al-Majayda family, allegedly seeking to arrest a person they said was a "collaborator".

Other reports from the ground — which are difficult to verify — claim that the Sahm or Arrow Unit, accused by Palestinians and international organisations in the past of targeting Hamas critics through extrajudicial killings and beatings, was also deployed in the operation.

Both sides suffered casualties in the ensuing fighting, which ended in Al-Majayda members repelling the attack, according to reports.

Additionally, the group has pursued the arrest of the leader of the so-called Popular Forces, Yasser Abu Shabab, whom it also repeatedly accused of collaborating with Israel. Abu Shabab's whereabouts are unknown.

Rafah, where Abu Shabab's Popular Forces are located, remains under Israeli military control, and Israel has provided weapons and equipment to the group, Euronews exclusively reported in July.

Hamas has previously responded with direct assassinations against Popular Forces members, going on a show of force against potential rival organisations despite months of Israeli military strikes.

"Hamas has killed over 50 of our volunteers, including members of Commander Yasser's family, while we were guarding aid convoys," the Popular Forces spokesperson told Euronews at the time.

Many thorny questions remain unanswered in US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, including the question of Hamas laying down arms. Hamas refuses to do that and wants to ensure Israel pulls its troops completely out of Gaza.

So far, the Israeli military has withdrawn from much of Gaza City, the southern city of Khan Younis and other areas.

The future governance of Gaza also remains unclear. Under the US plan, an international body will govern the territory, overseeing Palestinian technocrats who will run day-to-day affairs. Hamas has said that Gaza’s government should be worked out among Palestinians.

Later on Monday, Trump will head to Egypt, where he and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi will host a summit with leaders from some 30 countries on the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.

The plan calls for an Arab-led international security force in Gaza, along with Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan. It said Israeli forces would leave areas as those forces deploy. About 200 US troops are now in Israel to monitor the ceasefire.