Armed factions are wreaking havoc across the Gaza Strip, wielding Israeli weaponry to execute Hamas operatives and innocent civilians alike. A comprehensive report published by Asharq Al-Awsat reveals a troubling new reality in which multiple criminal groups, emboldened by a power vacuum, are seizing control amidst the chaos left by relentless Israeli bombardments.
The Rise of the Gangs
As Israel’s military operations continue to decimate Hamas, the vacuum of power has led to the emergence of violent gangs like the notorious Helles Gang. This group has reportedly forced Palestinians out of their homes under the guise of Israeli interests. The situation took a deadly turn on Monday, when members of the Helles Gang were ambushed by Hamas on the outskirts of Gaza City, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Raad al-Jamal, a founding member of the Helles Gang, was among those killed. The repercussions of this violence reverberate throughout the community, with ordinary Palestinians caught in the crossfire. Eyewitnesses report that gang members have targeted civilians near the contentious yellow line in the Shejaia and Tuffah neighbourhoods, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
A Fragmented Landscape
The report paints a grim picture of Gaza’s fragmented landscape, where criminal gangs now operate with impunity. These groups have taken it upon themselves to eliminate senior Hamas figures, branding their actions as “counterterrorism”. Some factions openly claim allegiance to Israeli interests, raising alarms about the collaboration between these gangs and the Israeli state.
A particularly infamous figure, Yasser Abu Shabab, once led a gang notorious for hijacking humanitarian aid before being taken down by Hamas. His successor, Ghassan al-Dahini, now heads a group that is implicated in the assassination of Hamas security personnel. The ruthless nature of these gangs is illustrated by the killing of Ahmed ZamZam, an officer in the Hamas Internal Security Service, who was shot dead in the densely populated Maghazi refugee camp.
Assassinations and Israeli Ties
The situation in Gaza has escalated to the point where well-coordinated assassinations of Hamas leaders have become commonplace. Mahmoud al-Astal, a senior figure in Hamas’s investigative unit, was brutally murdered on January 12 in Khan Younis. The gang responsible for this attack, led by Housam al-Astal—reported to be a relative of the deceased—was noted for its increased alignment with Israeli interests.
Sources indicate that these gangs are not only armed with Israeli weaponry but are also reportedly trained by Israeli intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet. Eyewitness accounts suggest that these operatives employ sophisticated tactics, wearing body cameras and using silenced firearms to carry out their missions with chilling efficiency.
Civilian Casualties and Media Targeting
The violent spree extends beyond Hamas, with journalists and innocent bystanders also falling victim to the escalating conflict. In a tragic incident last year, 28-year-old journalist Saleh Al-Jafarawi was killed by the Dughmush clan amid clashes in the Sabra neighbourhood. His body, found wearing a “press” flak jacket, underscores the perilous environment for those attempting to document the conflict.
As these gangs continue to operate unchecked, the situation in Gaza remains fragile. With a growing number of assassinations and civilian casualties, the international community faces a pressing dilemma regarding intervention and support.
Why it Matters
The rise of armed gangs in Gaza illustrates a disturbing shift in the balance of power, with dire consequences for both local civilians and the broader regional stability. This chaotic landscape not only compromises the safety and security of Palestinian lives but also poses profound challenges for any future peace efforts. The implications of this internal conflict, exacerbated by external influences, could reverberate far beyond Gaza’s borders, making it imperative for global observers to understand the intricacies of this evolving crisis.
