Tribal clans challenge Hamas while vying for power in Gaza

In recent months, tribal clans have begun asserting authority in various regions of the Gaza Strip, taking advantage of the weakened presence of Hamas due to ongoing Israeli military actions. This shift has seen groups like the Popular Forces militia, led by Yasser Abu Shabab of the Bedouin Al-Tarbin tribe, establish areas free from Hamas influence, particularly in eastern Rafah. These clans have managed to open food distribution centers and schools while aiding humanitarian efforts, asserting control over essential services and resources. The Popular Forces militia is reportedly receiving some logistical and intelligence support from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), although Yasser Abu Shabab claims not to accept assistance from Israel. The militia has also facilitated food aid distribution in southern Gaza, ensuring that supplies intended for the needy are not diverted by Hamas. This move highlights a growing trend where local power figures step into roles traditionally held by centralized governance, suggesting a vacuum left by the weakening of Hamas. In the northern Gaza Strip, influential families have emerged to ensure order and security, particularly concerning the delivery of aid trucks. These local leaders expressed that the presence of clans correlates with a reduction in chaos, indicating that they are filling the governance gap. Some clans have publicly expressed their readiness to take responsibility for various civil functions in Gaza but maintain a complex relationship with Hamas, as they still assert support for the organization and Palestinian resistance factions. Despite their newfound authority, there exists a tension among clans regarding control over Gaza, particularly with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Clans have recently urged increased involvement of the PA in local affairs, underscoring the ongoing rivalry and inability to create stable governance structures. While some clans openly oppose Hamas, others appear to seek more power within the current regime, indicating a fragmented landscape where multiple actors vie for influence amid the chaos. The dynamic in Gaza continues to evolve, as tribal powers assert themselves while navigating the tumultuous political landscape shaped by longstanding conflicts.