Trump said the United States had given Hamas approval to police the Gaza Strip ‘for a period of time.’
During the two-year Gaza War, an embattled Hamas has encountered a host of long-standing rivals, many of whom are affiliated with powerful local clans and armed groups.
Since the onset of the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 10, the terrorist group has attempted to reassert itself in the Gaza Strip, killing opponents in an enforcement crackdown after getting what appeared to be U.S. approval to act as temporary police in the war-torn enclave.
While speaking to reporters en route to the Middle East on Air Force One on Oct. 13, President Donald Trump said the United States has given Hamas approval to police the Gaza Strip “for a period of time.”
“We are having them watch that there’s not going to be big crime, or some of the problems that you have when you have areas like this that have been literally demolished,” Trump said.
“You have close to 2 million people going back to buildings that have been demolished, and a lot of bad things can happen. So we want it to be safe. I think it’s going to be fine.”
These are some of the key clans and rivals who have clashed with Hamas terrorists since the Gaza War began.
| Abu Shabab Clan | Doghmosh Clan |
| Al-Majayda Clan | Rami Hellis |
Abu Shabab Clan
Based in the Rafah area of Gaza, Yasser Abu Shabab is the most prominent of the anti-Hamas clan leaders. His forces operate in a portion of southern Gaza that is still occupied by the Israeli military.
Those close to Abu Shabab say his group has drawn in hundreds of fighters by providing lucrative salaries.
Hamas has accused him of collaborating with Israel, which he denies.
Abu Shabab’s clan is a Bedouin group focused on the eastern part of Rafah, with his personal force believed to be roughly 400 fighters. It is unclear whether Abu Shabab’s entire clan supports his actions.
By Jacob Burg
