Gaza City – as the conflict in Gaza intensifies, Israel is reportedly attempting to establish a new order by engaging with and, in certain specific cases, empowering Palestinian clans, fostering divisions and potentially setting the stage for a post-hamas governance structure. This strategy, echoing past Israeli efforts, involves offering logistical support - including food, water, and even arms – to clans willing to cooperate, while those who refuse face collective punishment, according to accounts from within Gaza.
This isn’t the first time Israel has sought to influence Palestinian internal dynamics. Between 1978 and 1984, the “Villages League” was formed, aiming to undermine the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) by incentivizing cooperation from prominent Palestinians. That initiative ultimately failed. Similarly, Israel previously bolstered Palestinian Islamist groups, including Hamas, as a counterweight to the PLO and secular factions.
Currently, figures like Ghazi Al-Astal are openly coordinating with the Israeli military, receiving aid and equipment. “Hamas says I’m a traitor because I coordinate with Israel,” Al-Astal stated, defending his actions as focused on “how to evacuate someone who is sick; how to provide food, water and services.” Despite the death of family members, including his sister, in Israeli airstrikes, he maintains his stance. both the Al-Astal and Abu Shabab families have publicly disowned those members seen as collaborating with Israel.
Though, not all clans are willing to align with Israel. Nizar dughmush, head of a prominent Gaza City tribe, recounted being approached by an intermediary from the Israeli military last month. He was offered logistical support, including arms, in exchange for his clan taking charge of a humanitarian zone. Dughmush refused, stating his family had no desire to become “tools of the occupation,” despite not being affiliated with Hamas.
Following the rejection, Dughmush alleges Israeli warplanes targeted his tribe’s neighborhood, killing over 100 members and systematically destroying homes 48 hours later. He attributes the attacks to retaliation for his clan’s refusal to cooperate. Similar approaches and subsequent attacks were reported by the Dayri and Bakr clans after they also declined Israel’s offer. “I’m talking to you now as a displaced person, along with what’s left of my clan,” Dughmush said.
Al-Astal, a self-described longtime opponent of Hamas, is unwavering in his support for this new approach. “There’s no place for Hamas here,” he declared. “We’re the new administration, and we’re the future.”
The situation highlights a complex and potentially destabilizing dynamic within Gaza, were Israel’s attempts to reshape the political landscape are met with resistance, collaboration, and devastating consequences for those caught in between.
