CAIRO. Various Palestinian clans and factions have joined forces to safeguard aid convoys, as Hamas strives to maintain its influence in the enclave, according to Palestinian officials and sources within the militant group.
Video footage obtained by Reuters depicts armed and masked men from diverse clans and factions overseeing the entry of aid trucks into Gaza City overnight. With Israeli forces targeting Hamas and its affiliates, individuals associated with the group face grave risks, prompting other factions, including Hamas’ rival Fatah, to step in and assist with security operations.
While specific clans and factions remain unnamed, the collaboration underscores Hamas’ enduring influence and resistance against Israeli efforts to establish alternative administrative structures in Gaza.
A Palestinian official, speaking anonymously, criticized Israel’s attempt to co-opt local clans to undermine Hamas, emphasizing the indispensability of Palestinian resistance factions in maintaining order.
Israeli military sources refrained from commenting on the situation, citing the sensitive nature of engagement in an active conflict zone.
The offensive in Gaza, launched in response to a deadly attack attributed to Hamas, has claimed thousands of lives and left large swathes of the enclave in ruins. Hamas, despite its militant reputation, has garnered support through social services and educational initiatives for Gaza’s impoverished population.
However, ensuring public order has become increasingly challenging, with civil police reluctant to provide security amid fears of Israeli reprisals. Incidents like the deadly clash between Palestinians and Israeli troops during aid delivery further highlight the precariousness of the situation.
Efforts to establish alternative security mechanisms post-war remain uncertain, with Israeli officials expressing openness to local security arrangements provided they are free from Hamas influence. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the practicality and neutrality of such initiatives.
As tensions escalate, the humanitarian crisis deepens, exacerbated by recent Israeli airstrikes targeting aid personnel. Hamas accuses Israel of exacerbating chaos and impeding aid distribution, while Palestinian tribes and factions condemn Israeli aggression and express solidarity with local authorities in Gaza.
As plans for Gaza’s post-war governance take shape, questions linger over the role of local clans and factions, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the conflict-stricken region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
