A ceasefire is now in effect across Gaza following more than two years of conflict, yet Hamas is grappling with significant internal competition from four major factions fighting for dominance in the ravaged region.
After reaching a truce with Israel on Friday, Hamas reestablished its authority over Gaza, deploying troops to manage the streets and, alarmingly, to quell protests, resulting in the deaths of many demonstrators.
Hamas asserts it has mobilized 7,000 fighters to “purge Gaza of outlaws and traitors.” However, the organization confronts resistance from various armed groups, such as the People’s Army, Dogmosh, Al Majida, and Helis—some of which are reported to receive support from Israel.
Tragic confrontations have already erupted in the region, including a brutal incident involving Palestinian influencer Saleh al-Jafarawi, known as “Mr. FAFO,” who was reportedly killed after posting a video that criticized Israel and supported Hamas.
Even with its challenges and the loss of some important spokespersons, Hamas continues to cling to power, vowing to clamp down on the rival armed factions. The group has even executed public punishments to eliminate what it labels as “criminals and collaborators.”
People’s Army Militia
A notable opponent of Hamas’s governance is Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the People’s Army militia active in southern Gaza.
Shabab is reported to have enlisted hundreds of fighters by providing appealing salaries, and estimates suggest the People’s Army comprises around 400 troops. Sources indicate that Shabab may also have ties to Israel, with claims that Israeli forces have provided arms to anti-Hamas groups, particularly benefiting the People’s Army.
The militia’s influence has grown beyond Rafah, extending its control over areas still under Israeli oversight.
However, Shabab refutes claims of Israeli backing, describing them as fabrications from Hamas. Interestingly, he is seen by some in Israeli media as a potential leader who could change Gaza’s trajectory, though he’s been involved in looting humanitarian supplies—an action he justifies as critical to stave off starvation in his territory.
Dogmosh Family
The Dogmosh family remains a formidable armed faction within Gaza. Its leader, Mumtaz Dogmosh, has previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
He orchestrated the Islamic Army, which played a part in the infamous kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006, a case that later saw Yahya Sinwar released in October.
Although Dogmosh’s current whereabouts are uncertain since the conflict with Israel reignited, his group has been involved in violent encounters with Hamas, resulting in at least 27 fatalities over the past weekend.
Witnesses have reported unrest in Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa region, as numerous Hamas fighters moved into residential zones controlled by insurgents, prompting fierce urban skirmishes.
Activists sympathetic to al-Jafarawi allege he was killed during the clashes with Dogmosh. Gaza’s Interior Ministry stated that the clashes targeted “armed militias affiliated with the Gaza Strip” and the Israeli “Occupation.”
There’s still ambiguity surrounding whether Israel has ever assisted the Dogmosh family, especially given their links to extremist groups.
Al Majida Family
The Al Majida clan is another influential entity based in southern Gaza, particularly in Khan Yunis, where they have been resisting Hamas’s authority.
Reports indicate that Hamas confronted Hussam al-Astar’s faction earlier this month, resulting in a violent altercation that left multiple casualties.
Al-Astar has been linked to Israeli support, a claim leaders of the Al Majida group deny. Strikingly, Al-Astar has positioned himself as a protector of Palestinians, asserting that the fight in Gaza will ultimately “overcome Hamas fighters.”
Interestingly, the leadership of Al Majida has recently softened its stance towards Hamas, last week affirming their backing for the group’s efforts to impose order in the territory.
Helis
Helis is another prominent faction opposing Hamas, controlling sections of the Gaza City suburb of Shejaia.
The leader, Rami Helis, previously allied with a local clan led by Ahmed Jundeya to assert control over Shejaia, an area still under Israeli military oversight.
Helis has frequently clashed with Hamas since the latter took charge of Gaza in 2007. This group aligns politically with Fatah, which has been displaced by Hamas and now governs the West Bank.
The extent of any potential support from Israel for Helis remains unclear, particularly given their adversarial relationship with Hamas.
