Videos are circulating online in which Hamas militants who have returned to Gaza have begun publicly executing members of other clans, clearing the political field of potential rivals.
The executions are supposedly carried out for cooperation with Israel. Still, in reality, this clan has been at odds with Hamas for decades, has considerable weapons and influence, and has therefore been tolerated by the radical group.
After Israel’s withdrawal, Hamas militants regrouped and launched a large-scale operation against Palestinian clans that either opposed the Hamas government or collaborated with Israel.
Overall, the Israeli withdrawal has opened the door for Hamas to settle scores with its rivals and clear the political field.
The goal of this is that if external actors try to establish an independent administration in Gaza, there will be no alternative to cooperation with Hamas.
