Hamas Executive Force quells clan violence in Gaza
GAZA CITY — Leading Palestinian clans have suspended the use of
firearms out of fear of the new Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said leading clans in the central and northern Gaza
Strip have settled scores without the use of assault rifles and
rocket-propelled grenades. The sources said Hamas's Executive Force has
raided clan strongholds in search of weapons and arrested those found to
possess firearms, Middle East Newsline reported.
"There is tremendous fear of the Executive Force, and clans know that if
they use their weapons they will be punished harshly," a source said.
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As a result, clan violence has been reduced significantly since the
Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007. The sources said the
6,000-member EF, which can be reached by dialing 109, has responded quickly
to reports of clan feuds.
Gaza City contains a range of rival clans. The largest of them is the
Dughmoush clan, with an estimated 4,000 fighters and 10,000 other
supporters. Other major clans include Hassanein, Masri and Abu Taha.
Under the Hamas regime, clan violence has lost much of its lethality.
Palestinian sources said clans, battling for a rapidly-shrinking economy,
settle their
scores with clubs and stones.
The clans have also been deterred by Palestinian participation in the
Hamas-led law and order effort. Young Palestinians have volunteered for
neighborhood
patrols that direct traffic and stop street crime.
Hamas has not sought to stop most family crime, the sources said. They
cited the killing of girls accused of extramarital sex by their fathers and
brothers in an attempt to preserve family honor.
