Gang violence forces civilians into hiding in Gazas Maghazi area

Armed Men Raid Maghazi Refugee Camp in Gaza

A group of armed men stormed the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza on Monday, sparking a gunfight between rival Palestinian groups. The incident occurred at around noon, when Asaad Nteel and his family were suddenly confronted by the gunmen, who identified themselves as members of the “Popular Forces combating terrorism”. The group had been operating in central Gaza and was seen as a rival to Hamas.

The armed men entered Nteel’s home, detaining his uncle and another man, and took them away towards an area near the yellow line that separates Palestinian and Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza. Nteel and his family were forced to gather in one room, where they remained until the gunmen received orders to withdraw.

During their interrogation, the armed men asked Nteel about potential ties to Hamas and accused him of attempting to film them after spotting cameras in the house. Nteel explained that he was a wedding photographer before the war, but the gunmen eventually believed his story and confiscated his equipment.

The incident is part of a series of raids and clashes by armed gang members on the east side of the camp, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths and dozens of injuries. Local residents claim that Israeli forces provided support to the armed men during the attack.

Eyewitnesses report that gunfire rained down on the Al-Maghazi Preparatory Boys School, which is sheltering displaced people, including children and women. The school was also hit by warplanes, leaving casualties scattered throughout the area. Resistance from local residents and those inside the school prompted fire cover from Israeli forces, allowing the armed men to withdraw.

The Ministry of Health has reported 10 deaths and 44 injuries in the violence in Maghazi, while Al-Aqsa Hospital reports at least 10 Palestinian deaths. The incident highlights the ongoing instability in Gaza and the risks faced by civilians caught in the crossfire between rival groups and Israeli forces.

Source: Al Jazeera