The leader of an anti-Hamas militia armed and supported by Israel has been killed in Gaza, the group confirmed, marking a significant setback to Israels developing post-war strategy for the territory. Yasser Abu Shabab, who headed a militia operating in a section of Rafah in southern Gaza, was killed while attempting to break up a dispute between members of a local family, according to his organization. An Israeli source had earlier suggested the death stemmed from internal clashes. Israeli officials said attempts were made to evacuate him for medical treatment in southern Israel before he was pronounced dead.Abu Shababs militia, known as the Popular Forces, was the most prominent of several armed groups Israel has supported in Gaza. His death could complicate Israels efforts to reshape the regions political landscape. In his early 30s, Abu Shabab was gradually expanding his influence, attempting to establish pockets of territory free from Hamas control. Israel saw his group as a tool to weaken Hamas and as a potential alternative to Islamist governance in Gaza.
The Popular Forces were also expected to help manage security around future reconstruction projects in the Israeli-occupied parts of Gaza as part of the next phase of the ceasefire plan. In recent months, the group played a role in regulating the flow of humanitarian aid from the Kerem Shalom crossing.Hamas had long labeled Abu Shabab a collaborator and a target, calling him a traitor, though the group did not directly claim responsibility for his death. In a statement, Hamas said he met the inevitable fate of anyone who betrays their people, adding that Israel could not protect its partners.The Popular Forces rejected any claims that Hamas was responsible, stating that the militant group was too weak to assassinate their leader and accusing certain parties of spreading false information.Images circulated across Gaza social media channels showed some Palestinians celebrating Abu Shababs death, including one photo marking his face with a red X. Abu Shababs militia was one of several loosely organized Palestinian armed groups supported by Israel inside Gaza. These groups typically operated within Israeli-controlled areas, conducting raids into Hamas territory before retreating to Israeli protection, according to regional analysts.With no finalized post-war governance plan for Gaza, Israel has relied on such militias to establish small zones of control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described these groups as a good thing, even as critics argue that empowering them is dangerous and destabilizing.The operation to arm these factions, including Abu Shababs militia, was approved without formal authorization from Israels security cabinet, according to Israeli officials.
0 Comments