Hamas Clashes with Rival Militia Led by Yasser Abu Shebab in Gaza
A newly formed Hamas security force announced Tuesday it had targeted the militia of Yasser Abu Shebab, alleging the group sought to destabilize internal security in the Gaza Strip. The “deterrent force” stated the operation, conducted in the south of the territory, resulted in the arrest of several militia members and the confiscation of weapons and equipment used for “subversive activities.”
Abu Shebab was previously imprisoned by Hamas security services but released amidst the chaos following the October 7th attack and subsequent war. He resurfaced in 2024 leading groups initially known as “Anti-terrorist Service” and later ”Popular Forces,” maintaining a presence on Facebook.
The Hamas security unit affirmed its commitment to targeting individuals and groups perceived as threats to societal security and harboring outlaws. Clashes between Hamas forces and armed groups erupted last week in the Chadjaya neighborhood of Gaza City.
This action comes after June admissions by Israeli authorities that they had been supporting and arming Palestinian clans opposed to Hamas, though they did not specifically identify Abu Shebab’s group.
