Gaza Militia Leader Yasser Abu Shabab Killed Amidst Hamas Conflict
Khan Younis, Gaza – Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the Popular Forces militia in Gaza, has been confirmed dead, according to his group. The death follows earlier reports in Israeli media citing anonymous sources.Abu Shabab’s group claims he was killed in a dispute with “another family,” while Israeli security sources suggest a shootout with a rival militia.However, Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, where he was reportedly pronounced dead, disputes having treated him.
Abu Shabab commanded approximately 300 armed men, primarily from a Bedouin tribe, and operated in South Gaza, an area with a meaningful Israeli army presence. The Popular Forces has been fighting Hamas, and was labeled a traitor by the group, who celebrated his death. A Hamas special unit posted a message stating, “We saeid it, Israel will not protect you.”
The Popular Forces has received funding and weapons from Israel, which has supported the group as part of a strategy to weaken Hamas.Recent days have seen heavy fighting in and around Rafah, where the militia is active, with the Israeli army reporting 40 Hamas militants killed and four Israeli soldiers injured. The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is reportedly being widely violated.
Haaretz reports that Abu Shabab and some of his men have alleged links to the Islamic State terrorist group. The Popular Forces has also been accused of stealing humanitarian aid intended for civilians in South Gaza, allegations Abu Shabab partially denied, claiming his fighters did not target aid meant for children and asserting he provided additional assistance to residents.