GAZA, (PIC)
In light of a complex reality experienced by the Gaza Strip as a result of the war and its security and social repercussions, tribal initiatives have emerged as one of the community’s tools to try to contain dangerous phenomena, including occupation gangs east of Gaza.
These initiatives do not come in isolation from the general context, but rather reflect a local effort to protect the internal fabric and prevent any breaches that threaten the cohesion of Palestinian society.
With the decline in economic conditions and the intensification of the blockade, some individuals have found themselves on dangerous paths, which opened the door for tribal intervention as a social mediator capable of restoring balance, relying on a long legacy in resolving disputes and containing crises.
A first step toward dismantling
In this context, member of the tribal committee and reform figure in Gaza, Zaki al-Dardisi, confirmed that the return of 11 individuals from these groups to their families represents “an important step” toward dismantling them, and cutting off the occupation’s extensions within society.
He explained that the initiative launched by the tribal committees, in coordination with the security services, is based on opening the door of return for individuals not involved in bloodshed, within clear guarantees of not pursuing them or harming them, which was announced during an official tribal conference.
Social and security backgrounds
Specialists believe that this step comes within the context of attempting to address the “incubating environment” for such groups, which feed on poverty, unemployment, and the psychological pressures left by the war.
The initiative also aims to remove pretexts from the occupation, which seeks, according to local estimates, to employ these formations as tools of internal penetration, whether through gathering information or creating a state of chaos.
The opinion of the mukhtars, conditional support
In this context, Mukhtar Ali Abu al-Atto says that “the tribe today does not only perform a traditional social role, but also bears a national responsibility in protecting society from sliding into chaos or collaboration.”
He confirmed in a statement to the PIC correspondent that this initiative is “a courageous step”, but it requires a delicate balance between tolerance and accountability, adding, “we support opening the door of return for everyone whose hands are not stained with blood, but at the same time it is not possible to bypass the rights of the victims or overlook serious crimes.”
He pointed out that the tribes play the role of a societal guarantor, as they commit to monitoring the behavior of those returning and ensuring their reintegration again, in a way that prevents their return to any suspicious activity.
Return under an umbrella of safety
According to al-Dardisi, return operations are carried out with high coordination with the police, to ensure the protection of the returnees and their families, and to prevent any acts of revenge or pressure against them, noting that the procedures are managed with complete confidentiality to preserve their safety.
He also indicated that the numbers of returnees are witnessing a gradual increase, in parallel with measures aimed at limiting movement toward the “yellow line”, and preventing the recruitment of new elements.
Two parallel tracks
In contrast, al-Dardisi revealed the existence of another more sensitive track, targeting those involved in assassination operations, where they are dealt with through different procedures, characterized by a higher degree of confidentiality, and with direct participation from the security services.
Observers agree that the success of this initiative depends on its ability to achieve a delicate balance between containing individuals not involved, and holding accountable those responsible for crimes, in a way that enhances public trust and prevents any feeling of impunity.
Mukhtar Abu al-Atto concludes, “society in Gaza is capable of protecting itself if efforts unite, and the tribes will remain the first line of defense, but this must be within a fair legal framework that preserves rights and safeguards Palestinian blood.”