Palestinian security sources revealed that violent armed confrontations occurred this Friday afternoon between elements belonging to militias collaborating with the Israeli occupation forces in the central and southern areas of the Gaza Strip. These internal clashes resulted in a number of dead and wounded among the warring groups, amid a state of severe security tension in the areas where these elements hold influence.
The sources explained that the conflict erupted due to a sharp dispute over areas of field control between a militia calling itself 'Free Homeland Forces,' led by Shawqi Abu Naseera and active in eastern Deir al-Balah, and the 'Popular Defense' militia, led by Hussam Al-Astal, known by the nickname 'Abu Seven,' whose activities are concentrated in the eastern areas of Khan Yunis city.
The intensity of the armed clashes was concentrated in the Bani Suhaila area, northeast of Khan Yunis, which is considered a stronghold for the militia elements led by Al-Astal. Machine guns were used in these confrontations, leading to heavy human losses among both parties competing for influence in areas close to the concentration of occupation forces.
Initial local estimates and reports indicate that the number of fatalities from these clashes ranges between 12 and 14 elements from both sides, in addition to others sustaining various injuries. News continues to report on the ongoing state of alert and field tension, with fears of renewed fighting in the absence of any intervention to resolve the conflict by the controlling powers.
It is worth noting that these armed groups operate primarily within what is known as the 'Yellow Line,' which are geographical areas under the direct military control of the Israeli occupation army. These militias move freely under the protection of the occupation, where they are entrusted with security and logistical tasks in areas whose residents have been displaced or isolated from the depth of the Strip.
Earlier Hebrew media reports confirmed that the occupation authorities provide secret support to these groups, including supplying them with rifles, ammunition, and logistical equipment such as fuel and vehicles. Through this support, which costs the army budget tens of millions of shekels, Israel aims to create parallel entities to confront Palestinian national forces and manage field affairs in its favor.
These developments come at a time when the occupation army continues to control more than 53% of the Gaza Strip's area, as part of the ongoing military positioning since the ceasefire agreement last October. These clashes reflect the state of chaos and conflict of interests within groups that depend on direct Israeli support and field protection for their survival.
The dispute arose over the area of control between the 'Free Homeland Forces' militia led by Shawqi Abu Naseera, and another called 'Popular Defense' led by Hussam Al-Astal.
شارك برأيك
Killed and wounded in bloody clashes between militias linked to the occupation in the southern Gaza Strip