Israel-Backed Anti Hamas Militia Leader Killed in Gaza
The leader of a key Israeli-backed militia operating in Gaza has been killed, marking a significant setback for Israel’s emerging post-war strategy in the territory. The group confirmed on Thursday that Yasser Abu Shabab, head of an anti Hamas faction active in southern Gaza’s Rafah area, died while attempting to calm a dispute during a public altercation.
According to the militia, Abu Shabab was trying to “resolve a family conflict” when he was fatally injured. However, Israeli sources earlier suggested that his death stemmed from internal armed clashes. Israeli officials also revealed that an attempt was made to airlift him to a hospital inside Israel before he was declared dead.
A Major Blow to Israel’s Plans in Gaza
Abu Shabab, believed to be in his early 30s, was considered the most influential figure among several small, Israel-supported armed groups in Gaza. These groups had slowly begun spreading influence in pockets of territory under Israeli control, as Israel sought to weaken Hamas’s grip by backing alternative local forces.
His militia—known as the “Popular Forces”—played a key role in maintaining order, facilitating limited governance in certain areas, and overseeing the distribution of aid near the Kerem Shalom crossing in recent months. Israel had also eyed the group to help secure future reconstruction projects under the next stage of the ceasefire arrangements.
Reactions from Hamas and the Militia
Hamas had long labeled Abu Shabab a collaborator and previously threatened him. While the group did not directly claim responsibility, it said that he met “the inevitable fate of anyone who sides with the Occupation,” applauding those who opposed him and similar factions.
The Popular Forces strongly rejected claims that Hamas was behind the killing, describing such reports as “false and misleading,” and insisting that Hamas lacked the ability to target their leader.
Shortly after the news broke, images circulated across Gaza showing Palestinians celebrating Abu Shabab’s death. One viral image depicted him with a red “X” drawn over his face, accompanied by insults.
Militias Filling a Power Vacuum
Analysts note that Israel’s support for these loosely organized groups reflects the absence of a clear governance plan for Gaza. Without a structured post-war roadmap, these small militias have carved out mini-zones of control, each operating independently.
Abu Shabab’s fighters, reportedly numbering in the hundreds, would conduct quick raids into Hamas-controlled areas before retreating back to Israeli-secured zones, according to Gaza analyst Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously defended the creation of these militias, calling them “useful,” though opponents compared arming such groups to “creating an ISIS-like force inside Gaza.”
Reports published earlier this year revealed that Israel’s operation to arm these militias—including Abu Shabab’s—was carried out without approval from the country’s security cabinet, raising controversy domestically.
