Powerful Israel-backed clan leader who fought Hamas murdered in Gaza
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Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the Abu Shabab militia known as the "Popular Forces" of Gaza, and an anti-Hamas clan leader allegedly backed by Israel, was killed in Rafah after being wounded in a clan-related confrontation. His militia had cooperated with Israel to protect civilians and counter Hamas influence, particularly in eastern Rafah. Abu Shabab’s group began forming in early 2024 following an IDF entry into Rafah, and continued operations after an October ceasefire. Despite his death, the Popular Forces pledged to continue their efforts against Hamas, highlighting ongoing instability and competition among armed groups in Gaza.
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A powerful anti-Hamas clan leader protecting civilians in Gaza and allegedly backed by Israel has been murdered in Rafah, according to multiple reports.Yasser Abu Shabab, head of the Abu Shabab militia, known locally as the "Popular Forces" of the Gaza Strip, had risen to prominence for his cooperation with Israel against Hamas influence in the region, according to analysts."Abu-Shabab militia helped Israel to protect the locals and prevent Hamas from harming them," Professor Kobi Michael, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute told Fox News Digital.DOZENS KILLED IN GAZA AS VIOLENCE ERUPTS BETWEEN HAMAS AND ARMED CLANS"Hamas has become deeply troubled because of these militias and makes its utmost efforts to dismantle them. It perceives them as a real threat, but the fact that Abu Shabab was murdered by a rival, Hamula, indicates that it will not be enough just to disarm Hamas.""Still, without an effective alternative governance to Hamas, the Strip will deteriorate into chaos," Michael added.As reported by Fox News Digital in July, Abu Shabab’s group began forming in early 2024 after the IDF entered Rafah and Hamas started t...
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Source: Fox News
Posted on 12-04-2025 17:23