After two years of intense warfare, peace finally settles over Gaza. While the conflict between Israel and Hamas has ceased, a new battle has ignited within Gaza itself, between Hamas and a local tribe, resulting in 27 casualties. Despite the 20-point Gaza Plan by Trump, fears of a civil war loom as human rights organizations express concerns. The pressing question remains: what lies ahead for Gaza? Will Donald Trump intervene to quell this new internal strife?
The devastation from the Israel-Hamas conflict extends beyond Gaza. Israel showcased unexpected military prowess, striking supporters of Hamas worldwide, including an attack in Lebanon that targeted Hassan Nasrallah, and disabling Hezbullah leaders through synchronized explosions. In a bid to cripple Hamas, Israel clashed with Yemen's Houthi rebels, launching multiple fierce confrontations in the Red Sea. On August 28, 2025, Operation Lucky Drop saw Israel targeting a high-level Houthi meeting in Sanaa, eliminating key figures such as Prime Minister Ahmed Al-Rahwi.
Israel's Strategic Operations
In addition to halting Hamas, Israel's Operation Rising Lion against Iran shook Tehran, dismantling top commanders over a 12-day conflict. Aerial strikes in Doha against Hamas leaders drew ire from 57 Muslim nations, with Israel retaliating fiercely. In Gaza, Israeli artillery took 67,000 lives, including 20,000 children. Following global pressure from 152 nations, Donald Trump devised a peace plan for Gaza.
Trump's Pro-Israel Stance
Throughout the Gaza conflict, Donald Trump steadfastly supported Israel. Celebrating Israeli hostages returning post-ceasefire, Trump expressed profound affection for Israel, evidenced by his daughter Ivanka's religious conversion through her marriage to a Jew.
October 13 marked the beginning of ceasefire in Gaza. Trump regards this peace agreement as a personal victory, noting that aid is finally reaching Gaza. Despite the cessation efforts, a new battle has emerged within Gaza. This time, the adversary is not Israel but internal factions within Hamas. A skirmish between Hamas forces and militants of the Dughmush clan resulted in 27 fatalities, comprising 19 tribe members and 8 Hamas fighters.
The Brewing Internal Conflict in Gaza
Since major Israeli offensives ceased, the escalating internal strife in Gaza is the most intense to date. Eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire near a Jordanian hospital in Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa area, as Hamas gunmen attacked Dughmush clan fighters. The conflict reportedly ignited when over 300 Hamas fighters stormed a building sheltering the Dughmush tribe. Hostilities erupted as Dughmush fighters shot two elite Hamas members, one being the son of senior military intelligence chief, Imad Aqel.
In retaliation, Hamas executed a 'security operation' to fortify the area. Notably, the Dughmush family, a significant Gaza tribe, shares a strained history with Hamas. Tensions arose when Hamas attempted to seize a hiding place turned base by Dughmush members, escalating the power struggle. This internal conflict presents a formidable challenge in Gaza. The crucial question is: can Donald Trump mediate an end to this strife?
