A new Gaza militia, the Popular Forces, is drawing attention for challenging Hamas’ authority—with claims of Israeli backing and a controversial leader.
A new militia known as the Popular Forces has emerged in Gaza, vowing to protect aid convoys and challenge Hamas’ authority. The 300-member group, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a former detainee with a criminal past, claims to be coordinating with the Israeli army—though it denies reports of direct collaboration.
Abu Shabab, who was jailed for drug trafficking before the October 7 attacks, insists his group of “volunteers” is not seeking political power but aims to stop aid looting by Hamas-linked groups.
“We are not professional fighters,” the group told Euronews, adding they do not engage in guerrilla warfare.
However, Hamas has reportedly killed over 50 members of the group, while critics in Gaza, including journalist Rami Abou Jamous, liken Abu Shabab to a “Pablo Escobar” figure.
Israeli officials are divided—some warn of repeating past mistakes by empowering criminal elements, while others see the group as a stopgap amid the absence of viable alternatives to Hamas.