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Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza witnessed one of the fiercest domestic fighting since the war began, between Hamas security forces against gunmen from the al-Mujaida family - one of the largest families in southern Gaza.

Per Hamas, its security personnel carried out an operation in the area to arrest individuals accused of collaborating with Israel.

On the other hand, local accounts recounted an offensive by about 50 men using multiple vehicles, armed with assault rifles and RPG launchers, who invaded the al-Mujaida quarter and eliminated five individuals from the clan.

Armed relatives quickly fought back, sparking extended gun battles with intense exchanges of fire.

Accounts spreading through social media – hard to authenticate – claim that at least 11 Hamas personnel were killed, with several corpses supposedly paraded in the streets.

Footage extensively circulated on the internet, without independent verification, seem to depict multiple bloodied bodies in military fatigues, accompanied by a voiceover claiming they pertained to Hamas's "Sahm Unit".

Separate video captured automatic weapon fire and a rocket-propelled grenade striking a apartment block in the area.

Community leaders subsequently stepped in to negotiate between the two sides, leading to an handover of casualties designed to limit the deterioration.

Even though the underlying causes remain unclear, the incident has heightened anxiety among Gaza residents.

Numerous residents worry that widespread weapons, friction between major families and Hamas's political dominance could spiral into situations similar to internal conflict in a territory already affected by population movement, damage, and concern of further lawlessness.

Observers suggest that the extent of anger which Hamas encounters from its many opponents – some of whom have been marginalized during its lengthy rule – is considered a major element influencing the group to reject the ceasefire plan.

Furthermore, there is fear of deadly retaliation, of being killed in the streets, since the plan demands Hamas to give up all arms.

Sources suggest that the commander of Hamas's armed division in Gaza has shown reluctance regarding the initiative, which was announced recently.

The proposal includes a time limit for Hamas to accept or confront severe consequences.