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The southern Gaza city witnessed one of the fiercest domestic fighting since the war began, pitting Hamas security forces against armed members from the al-Mujaida family - one of the largest clans in southern Gaza.

According to Hamas, its forces conducted a raid in the district to apprehend people suspected of cooperating with Israeli authorities.

Conversely, eyewitness reports recounted an attack by about 50 men using five pickup trucks, armed with automatic weapons and RPG launchers, who stormed the al-Mujaida neighborhood and fatally shot five individuals from the clan.

Armed relatives quickly fought back, triggering extended gun battles with intense exchanges of fire.

Accounts spreading through social media – challenging to confirm – indicate that over eleven Hamas fighters were killed, with multiple remains allegedly paraded in the streets.

Footage widely shared online, without independent verification, appear to show several injured bodies in combat uniforms, along with a narration alleging they were members of Hamas's "military division".

Another clip showed automatic weapon fire and an RPG impacting a residential building in the neighborhood.

Community leaders later intervened to negotiate between the conflicting parties, resulting in an transfer of remains aimed at control the deterioration.

While the underlying causes are still uncertain, the incident has increased concern among Gaza residents.

Numerous residents fear that widespread weapons, friction between powerful families and Hamas's control over governance could develop into situations reminiscent of domestic warfare in a area already experiencing displacement, damage, and concern of additional disorder.

Analysts suggest that the extent of hostility which Hamas faces from its numerous adversaries – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy rule – is believed to be a major element motivating the organization to decline the peace proposal.

Moreover, there is fear of deadly retaliation, of being killed in the public spaces, since the agreement demands Hamas to completely disarm.

Sources suggest that the leader of Hamas's military wing in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the initiative, which was presented recently.

The ceasefire plan includes a deadline for Hamas to comply or encounter severe consequences.