Clans tend to be familial, but sometimes other smaller unrelated clans join a larger one, hoping their undivided loyalty earns them the protection of and inclusion in the larger clan they joined.
Likewise, unassociated individuals also attempt to join a large clan to provide them protection.
Since time immemorial, inter-clan battles occur. Even among clans of the same ethnicity and religion (like Arab-Muslims), religion tends not to cultivate unity.
The bonds of the clan always supersede any bonds of religion.
Typical Clan Warfare Shows NO Indication of Conflicting Values, Only Conflicts of Power
Despite what the media likes to portray, Gazan opposers of Hamas don't oppose Hamas for reasons we like.
For example, the battles of Hilas against Hamas in no way indicate a more virtuous value system. The Hilas/Fatah opposition to Hamas doesn't mean the Hilas clan feels disgusted by any terror committed by Hamas, nor does it mean they are in any way better than Hamas.
The Hilas clan simply does not wish to lose their independent power and subjugate themselves to Hamas.
That's all.
Likewise, video selfies of young Gazan men leaving Gaza for Europe (prior to October 7) via the sea, while scoffing at Hamas, do not indicate a higher morality.
The majority of those young men simply feel fed up with not being a part of the controlling body in Gaza.
If they enjoyed all the privileges enjoyed by those "in" with Hamas (like Sinwar's beloved Romilat clan), they'd be happy with Hamas and happy to stay.
So here is a breakdown of the Gazan clans. (It's not a detailed breakdown, so some clans are missing, but it'll help you get the picture.):
The Main Clans of Beit Hanoun
- Kafara
- Za'anin
- Abu Jarad
The Main Clans of Gaza City
- Zaitoun neighborhood — Dachduch (associated with Islamic Jihad)
- Shuja'iyeh neighborhood — Hilas (associated with Fatah)
- Sabra neighborhood (these clans established terror organizations of their own):
- Dughmush — founder of Jaysh al Islam (the Army of Islam, who kidnapped Gilad Shalit)
- Abu Sharia — founder of Kateib al-Mujadin (Mujadin Troops, who abducted and still hold hostage Shiri Bibas along with her young son Ariel and her baby Kefir).
The Main Clans of Deir al-Balah
Here, Bedouin clans take the reins.
Of the many, two stand out:
- Chanajreh
- Suarka
The Main Clans of Khan Yunis
- El Ara
- Kadech
- Al-Fara
- Al-Kara
The Main Clans of Rafah
- Sha'ar
- Kashatah
So there are your "civilians" and "innocent bystanders."
And yes, these clans now vie for control over the humanitarian aid captured and dominated by Hamas.
NOT because they are good and Hamas is bad, but because Hamas is getting in the way of what the other clans want.
Hopefully, the above will give you a glimpse into the inner workings of that part of the world and help you see through the media blabbering about "democratic elections in Gaza" and claims that "not all Gazans support the Hamas" and so on.
Dissenting Expert Opinions regarding These Clans
Others believe one can cut deals with the heads of clans, and rely — NOT on clan fidelity to a treaty with outsiders — but on the clan leaders wanting to watch out for and provide for their members, thereby retaining or even increasing their power, both within the clan and within their area among other clans.
If so, it demands daas Torah and seichel tov to carry it out.
With clan networks, you always have to know who you're dealing with and neither overestimate nor underestimate the other side.
A Final Comment about Gazan "Civilians"
They received burns all over the bodies when terrorists threw an open gas container into their bedroom (which terrorists already lit on fire). Elai suffered the most burns, which endangered her life for weeks afterward.
They all survived, which Elai considers a miracle straight from Hashem and she speaks a lot about Hashem's Hand in their survival.
(Elai originally grew up in a religious family, and though she chose a secular life in an extremely secular and Leftist kibbutz, she never completely abandoned the beliefs which she imbibed from her parents.)
Toward the end of an interview with Moran Corse, Elai stated:
Another thought grew stronger within me — and it's a thought I feel very sad about.
For I always believed the people on the other side of the fence — at least the majority of them — were victims. They exist within a regime that controls them and doesn't allow them so much right to choose.
But after the seventh of October, I...I no longer have any faith in them.
Those who tried to murder us or kidnap us — they were civilians. They're civilians. Ultimately, we realized it was civilians.
For every Israeli they brought to the Strip, they received money. And I know those standing guard over the hostages were teachers and veterinarians — professions about which you say, "A teacher! A teacher does this?"
And so who do you have to make peace with?
This is a thought that I very much — it's a little bit hopeless, but I hope there will be a solution for us because I don't know how it's possible to make peace if everyone — even civilians — try to kill you.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZug04_T3wMT3IhCmOu5Gi9UtWHwAcEG (in Hebrew for women only – you can search for it later in the playlist as it hasn't been posted at this time)