Violent internal clashes among Israeli-backed militia groups east of Khan Yunis have left at least 12 people dead and several others wounded, according to local sources.

The fighting reportedly erupted amid escalating internal disputes between members of these armed factions, which have been operating in areas under Israeli control in eastern Gaza. Residents described scenes of chaos and fear as heavy gunfire echoed across the east of the city, with sustained exchanges lasting for hours.

Witnesses confirmed that families of several victims have already been formally notified of their relatives’ deaths, underscoring the severity of the clashes. The exact number of injured remains unclear, though local reports indicate that multiple people were wounded during the confrontation.

In recent months, Israeli forces have reportedly supported the formation and arming of local proxy groups, granting them operational freedom in territories under their control. These militias have been widely accused by residents and local observers of engaging in a range of activities, including looting humanitarian aid convoys, targeting resistance elements, carrying out assassinations, and contributing to widespread instability in the region.

Security sources suggest that at least four such militia groups are currently active across eastern Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City. Tensions between these factions have frequently led to sporadic outbreaks of infighting, raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation and the growing fragmentation within these armed networks.

The latest clashes highlight the volatile dynamics within Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza, where competing interests and internal rivalries among proxy forces continue to fuel violence, further endangering civilian lives and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. (ILKHA)