The violence erupted in the Sabra neighborhood when Hamas forces launched an assault on positions held by the powerful Doghmush clan. The tribe accused Hamas of exploiting the ceasefire with Israel to target its members.
Journalist Shot Dead While Covering Clashes
Amid the fighting, 28-year-old Palestinian journalist Saleh Al-Jafrawi was shot and killed while covering the events. His body, still wearing a jacket marked “PRESS,” was later found in the back of a truck.
Al-Jafrawi was known for his front-line war reporting and social media coverage of the Gaza conflict. He had recently stated that he was receiving death threats from Israel and was living in constant fear.
According to the Hamas Interior Ministry, the Doghmush group involved in the clashes is aligned with Israeli interests. Security forces have since cordoned off the area, claiming that the militia had also attacked civilians returning from southern Gaza.
More than 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by reporters in the region.
Hamas Issues Ultimatum
Following the bloodshed, Hamas warned that militia members and criminals not directly involved in the fighting must surrender by next Sunday or face severe punishment.
Residents described scenes of panic and chaos. “This time, people weren’t fleeing Israeli attacks — they were fleeing from their own people,” one eyewitness told the BBC.
Who Are the Doghmush?
The Doghmush clan, whose name is of Turkish origin meaning “born in Turkey,” is one of Gaza’s most influential tribes. The family settled in Sabra and Tel al-Hawa districts of Gaza City in the early 20th century.
The Doghmush are alleged to have links with al-Qaeda and were accused of involvement in the kidnappings of British journalist Alan Johnston and Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The tribe has long had a fractious relationship with Hamas, marked by repeated violent confrontations over power and control in Gaza.
In 2008, Hamas raided several Doghmush strongholds, killing multiple clan members. In 2024, Hamas forces assassinated Saleh Doghmush, accusing him of seizing humanitarian aid meant for civilians and selling it at inflated prices.
Violence Amid Fragile Truce with Israel
The latest fighting comes just as Hamas and Israel are observing a fragile ceasefire. Reports suggest that Hamas plans to hand over 20 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross later today. The hostages will be transferred to southern Israel in six to eight vehicles under Red Cross escort.
Members of the Doghmush tribe have condemned the violence, calling for unity among Palestinians. “Children are screaming and dying; our homes are burning. We’re trapped. There’s a massacre happening here,” one tribal member told local media.
Another senior figure from the tribe appealed to both sides, saying, “Muslims must not shed the blood of Muslims.”
