Israel fuels unrest in Gaza with rival armed groups
Israel has paused its two-year conflict in Gaza, but tensions continue as rival groups in the region reportedly receive Israeli support. Three armed groups in Gaza have been accused of targeting both Hamas and Palestinian civilians. Despite a partial Israeli withdrawal, violence between these groups and Hamas could resume in a fractured society.
On Sunday, clashes between an armed clan and Hamas forces left at least 27 dead. The group, believed to be the Doghmush clan, has members across Gaza’s political spectrum. Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, caught in the crossfire, was killed while covering the violence.
While it’s unclear if Israel backs the Doghmush clan, reports suggest it may fund several armed factions in Gaza, including the Popular Forces and Strike Force Against Terror, both involved in ongoing conflicts with Hamas.
