Palestinian clans reported split between Hamas and Fatah
GAZA CITY — The new Hamas regime has sparked divisions within
several major clans in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian sources said several clans in the southern Gaza Strip have
been divided into pro-Hamas and pro-Fatah factions. They said in some cases
members of the same clan have fought each other as part of the Fatah-Hamas
struggle.
"For years, you could have a clan with both Fatah and Hamas fighters," a
Palestinian source said. "Now, Hamas will not allow Fatah fighters to
operate so clan members have been forced to choose."
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The clan divisions have been reported in Khan Yunis and Rafah, according to Middle East Newsline. One clan,
identified as Abu Hatab, has been split between Fatah and Hamas supporters.
On Sept. 29, Fatah and Hamas operatives in Abu Hatab fought each other
with clubs and knives in Khan Yunis. Two Hamas supporters were injured.
The Executive Force sent units to help the Hamas operatives of Abu
Hatab. EF officers raided the home of a Fatah supporter and sought to arrest
his four sons. Abu Hatab members attacked the officers, and they responded
with gunfire.
Another clan divided by the Hamas regime has been that of Hussein. The
Hussein clan includes a senior commander, Rajai Ahmed Hussein, stationed in
Rafah.
On Sept. 27, Hussein and his brother, Mohammed, were injured in a
grenade attack against their home. Hussein members loyal to Fatah arrived at
Rafah Hospital, and one of them stole the weapon of an EF officer.
EF units stormed the hospital and fired tear gas in the hospital
emergency room and assaulted seven members of the Hussein clan. One suspect
in the weapons
theft, Mussa Sabri Hussein, was beaten severely and then shot in the leg.
Palestinian sources said other major clans could also undergo a split
along Fatah and Hamas lines. They cited the Al Masri and Hassanein clan,
both located in the area of Gaza City.
