Chaos and lawlessness have become significant concerns in Gaza alongside escalating incidents of murder, violence, and Hamas' faltering grip on the Strip during the conflict. After 17 years of Hamas' controlled governance in all sectors, an unprecedented wave of anarchy now prevails, reigniting long-standing family conflicts, including efforts to close old accounts.
According to security sources, Gaza is currently experiencing renewed internal clashes stemming from historic feuds. They state that "many have died due to incidents linked to the First Intifada in 1987, others in family disputes."
Semi-official figures shared with "Asharq Al-Awsat" indicate at least 14 killings in June alone, with 21 more the preceding month, attributed to various criminal activities documented across several areas in Gaza. In at least three cases, events are related to Hamas' 2007 takeover and its declaration of control over the city of Beit Hanoun.
The list of recent casualties in Gaza includes Mahmoud Nisbah, a refugee camp resident of Al-Bureij, central Gaza Strip, who commanded Al-Aqsa Battalion at Beit Hanoun and was wanted by Israel for 20 years. Nisbah was assassinated in the Deir Al-Balah neighborhood in central Gaza by assailants likely affiliated with Hamas.
National and Islamic forces in Gaza released a statement expressing opposition to "opening files which all Palestinians have agreed to close and are not subject to discussion." Their intention is to prosecute suspects involved in espionage for Israel during the First Intifada in 1987. According to them, "such a move sows discord by threatening those who genuinely seek revenge."
The forces have called on Hamas' Ministry of the Interior "to strike with an iron fist against anyone daring to interfere in civilian affairs." Theft of aid shipments in Gaza is rampant, with medical equipment becoming a sought-after commodity. Recently, Gazans stole equipment and medicines from the European Hospital in Khan Yunis and immediately took to the streets to sell them in an environment of lawlessness and lack of accountability. This adds to the already well-known phenomenon of looting from humanitarian convoys.
Sources within Gaza-based organizations familiar with the details told "Asharq Al-Awsat" that reopening such cases would jeopardize social security in the Strip, lead to senseless crimes targeting national figures, and potentially allow Israel to exploit the situation to implement its security agenda.
Reports from Gaza indicate vigorous attempts to contain the various developments on the ground, though the prospects for success remain unclear. Hamas, for its part, seeks to convey control and authority, recently releasing several videos highlighting their brutal treatment of residents accused of wrongdoing.
* Ynet contributed to this article.
