Leader of Israeli-Backed Anti-Hamas Militia Reportedly Killed in Gaza
The leader of the Israel-supported anti-Hamas militia operating in Gaza has been killed, the group confirmed — a development seen as a major setback to Israel’s evolving post-war strategy for the territory.
Yasser Abu Shabab, commander of the “Popular Forces” militia active in parts of Rafah, southern Gaza, died while attempting to intervene in a dispute involving a local family, according to his organization. An Israeli source had earlier attributed the incident to “internal clashes.” Israeli officials said efforts were made to evacuate him for medical treatment in southern Israel, but he was pronounced dead.
Abu Shabab’s group was the most prominent of several armed factions Israel equipped and supported in Gaza. His role was considered central to Israel’s broader plan to weaken Hamas and to establish alternative centres of local authority. The 30-something militia leader had gradually expanded his influence, carving out areas intended to operate outside Hamas control.
The Popular Forces were also expected to assist in securing future reconstruction projects in Israeli-controlled sections of Gaza under the next phase of the ceasefire framework. In recent months, the group played a role in monitoring the movement of humanitarian aid entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Hamas had repeatedly branded Abu Shabab a collaborator and vowed to target him, though the group has not claimed responsibility for his death. In a statement, it said he met “the inevitable fate of anyone who betrays their people,” insisting Israel could not safeguard its allies.
The Popular Forces, however, dismissed suggestions that Hamas was behind the killing, arguing that the group was “too weak” to carry out such an attack and accusing unnamed actors of spreading misinformation.
Images circulating on social media in Gaza showed some residents celebrating the militia leader’s death, including posts marking his image with a red “X.”
Abu Shabab’s faction was one of several loosely organized Palestinian armed groups working with Israeli support within Gaza. These groups typically conducted operations inside Hamas-controlled areas before retreating into zones secured by Israeli forces, analysts say.
With no agreed post-war governance structure for Gaza, Israel has increasingly relied on such militias to maintain limited areas of control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously described them as “a good thing,” though critics warn the strategy risks further instability.
Israeli officials said the initiative to arm and support these groups was implemented without formal approval from the country’s security cabinet.
