Policeman killing in Deir al-Balah spotlights Gaza’s divisions

A Hamas-affiliated police officer was shot dead in Deir al-Balah early Tuesday, an incident that has ignited tensions within central Gaza Strip amid deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions due to Israel’s ongoing war.

A video circulated widely on social media depicts a harrowing scene: a group of men, brandishing rifles and pistols, forcing another man in civilian clothing to the ground before riddling him with bullets. One of the gunmen then tells another, “Take revenge on the one who killed your brother.”

For its part, Hamas condemned the killing of the police officer by a group it described as “criminals” in Deir al-Balah, asserting that “Israel’s attempts to break the internal front and spread chaos will not succeed”.

In a statement, Hamas said, “The act of a group of criminals kidnapping and killing the heroic martyr, police officer Ibrahim Shaldan (Al-Najjar), in the city of Deir al-Balah, and mutilating his body while he was performing his national duty, is a reprehensible crime that requires the perpetrators to be held accountable with strength and determination.”

It added, “This crime, which serves Zionist objectives in an attempt to weaken the Palestinian internal front, spread disorder and corruption, and ultimately push our people toward displacement, necessitates that the responsible authorities deal firmly with anyone who collaborates with the occupation in its criminal schemes.”

The movement stressed that Israel attempts to implement its plans by undermining civil peace and spreading lawlessness will not succeed, affirming its strong support for security forces in enforcing the law. It emphasised the need for everyone to stand united against Israel’s ongoing efforts to carry out “this criminal scheme.”

Meanwhile, the Gaza Ministry of Interior announced that it had formed an investigative committee regarding the killing of police officer Ibrahim Shaldan while carrying out his duties in breaking up a brawl, which resulted in the death of a citizen due to his injuries. The ministry affirmed that the perpetrators of the crime would not escape punishment and that justice would reach them. It stressed that “anyone who dares to attack security and police personnel will face strict legal consequences and severe punishment.”

Same bitter pain, different positions

Speaking to The New Arab, eyewitnesses in the area present a counter narrative. They say the killing of police Ibrahim Shaldan occurred because of a police raid a flour storage facility to compel the owner to sell at a lower price.

According to the eyewitnesses, the raid provoked anger among residents, drawing a large crowd. As tensions with residents escalated, officers fired shots into the air to disperse the gathering. But, one officer, identified as Ibrahim Shaldan, opened fire, killing Abdul Rahman Abu Samra and wounding five others.

In the aftermath, enraged family members allegedly pursued the officer and fatally shot him in an act of retribution. 

For their part, Abu Samra’s family refuted official claims that Abu Samra was struck by accident, asserting that he was directly targeted. 

“Our son was just standing there, trying to buy flour. He wasn’t armed or part of any conflict,” Mohammed Abu Samra, the victim’s uncle, said to TNA. “The authorities claim he was hit by shrapnel, but we know the truth that he was killed in cold blood.”

Amna, Abdul Rahman’s aunt, remarked to TNA that Abu Samra was dedicated to securing a better future for his family despite the harsh realities in Gaza. 

“[He] was not involved in any conflict,” she said. “He tirelessly supported his loved ones. They took the life of an innocent man, and we will not stay silent in the face of this injustice. Those behind this crime must be brought to justice.”

The family of Ibrahim Shaldan, the slain police officer, was also deep and bitter.

“Ibrahim was doing his job as required. He wasn’t someone who abused people. He was a committed young man who served his community faithfully. He never expected to end up this way,” Yazan Shaldan, Ibrahim’s cousin, argued to TNA. 

“We are perplexed because what happened resulted from an internal conflict that could have been avoided if there had been mechanisms to control things,” he said. “We understand that the conditions in Gaza are harsh; however, we must not resort to violence to resolve our issues. Killing Ibrahim is not the solution. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation, and we want to know who is responsible for this attack on security personnel.”

Deteriorating security conditions

The incident sheds light on many questions regarding Palestinian security services’ ability to impose order in Gaza under the current conditions of Israel’s war. Noticeably, security tensions escalated in recent months as the coastal enclave is battered by an ongoing Israeli blockade and war.

Several Palestinian residents expressed dismay and anger at the deteriorating security situation in the Strip.

“What happened today is not an ordinary incident. We are living in a state of security chaos, where we no longer know where the danger comes from,” Mohammed Abu Ragheb, a government employee from Gaza City, told TNA. 

“Security in Gaza is no longer what it was, and every day, there is a new problem, whether it be family clashes or acts of revenge. We need real stability,” he said.

“Security has become completely absent. People cannot live safely when these incidents occur so frequently,” said Maysoun Abu Saleh, a housewife living in Deir al-Balah. 

“It is difficult to live in a place where bullets are scattered in every corner, and every day we hear about assassinations or killings. Where are the security services in all of these?” she added. “Since the Israeli military operations and the blockade began, the situation has become worse. People in Gaza cannot tolerate any more of these internal conflicts.”

Such incidents reflect the escalating popular discontent in Gaza amid a stifling economic crisis. 

“The shooting of a young man while trying to obtain flour, the execution of the accused policeman, and family disputes highlight a security vacuum and may reflect Hamas’s weak control over security. This challenge is growing as Hamas faces increasing anger due to ongoing Israeli attacks and their failure to carry out their duties,” Mustafa Ibrahim, a Gaza-based political expert, remarked to TNA. 

“For Hamas, which has controlled the Strip for over 17 years, this incident tests its ability to manage internal crises. While trying to maintain security, the worsening living conditions may become a threat to its stability, especially with the ongoing Israeli blockade worsening residents’ daily suffering,” he added.