Video: Clashes erupt between Hamas, Hussam Al-Astal militia in Gaza

ALBAWABA - Palestinian sources said that fighting was reported between the Hamas group and an Israeli-backed militia in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian sources reported a violent clash between Hamas members and a militia led by a former Palestinian Authority officer named Hussam al-Astal.

The incident began after al-Astal's militia attempted to assert control over an area in Khan Younis. Two vehicles carrying several armed men entered the area before being ambushed by Hamas fighters.

Videos circulating online showed two vehicles slowly moving through the rubble of destroyed houses, carrying armed men in black clothing and machine guns, before being struck by a powerful explosion followed by heavy gunfire.

Sources indicated that one of the two vehicles was directly struck by an anti-tank missile fired by Hamas, before a barrage of gunfire was directed at the militia members. Video footage documented several of them being directly hit by bullets.

In addition, several media outlets suggested that a number of Hussam al-Astal's militia fighters were killed and wounded during an ambush in Khan Younis, noting the absence of Israeli air support, which usually intervenes in such situations to rescue Palestinian militia members.

Hussam al-Astal responded to the incident:

Later, Hussam al-Astal allegedly said that his men were on a mission to distribute food and cigarettes to the city's residents when Hamas fighters opened fire on them.

In a statement following the incident, al-Astal confirmed the death of one of his men and threatened Hamas with further incursions to seize territory under the movement's control.