Recent battles in Rafah, Gaza in recent weeks have pitted Hamas against a militia faction formed Yasser Abu Shabab’s family. Although infamous for his criminal activities, the group led by Abu Shabab has further exacerbated this overlooked situation. Violence soon turned when Abu Shabab’s organization, the Anti-Terror Service or Popular Forces, retaliated, staging a deadly attack on Hamas fighters. That savage clash led to the neutralization of six fighters from Hamas’s elite “Arrow” unit.
Purportedly Israeli defense officials have endorsed and confirmed the arming of Abu Shabab’s militia. The strategy behind this is to further isolate Hamas’s reach and influence across the region. In Gaza, things have shifted enormously since the current conflict began on October 7th, 2023. This upheaval started following when Abu Shabab allegedly found himself imprisoned in a Hamas-operated jail on narcotics dealing charges. News outlets have reported that he was released from jail during the pandemonium, though details on his release are murky at best.
Israeli forces are in the midst of a fierce crackdown against such violence. They have recently stepped in to protect Abu Shabab from being targeted and killed by Hamas. Perhaps most bizarrely, in one documented case Israeli soldiers had to fire upon Hamas militants in order to protect Abu Shabab. Additionally, an Israeli air force UAV struck four Hamas fighters to help protect the militia head.
As of today, Abu Shabab’s militia has expanded to 120 men under his control operating in the eastern area of Rafah. Most notoriously, they have made themselves the de facto security service for UN humanitarian convoys entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza. This new role has intensified tensions even more, with Hamas accusing the militia of treachery.
Hamas has responded ruthlessly to Abu Shabab’s backers. Accounts suggest that they have murdered more than 50 of his supporters, even murdering some of his family members. The group is most famous for their zealous pursuit of any individual they deem a traitor. Our colleagues have promised not to let Revoked Abu Shabab get away scot-free.
“Hamas has killed over 50 of our volunteers, including relatives of our leader, Yasser, as we guarded aid convoys and redistributed supplies that were otherwise destined for corrupt entities linked to Hamas.” – Abu Shabab’s militia, named the Anti-Terror Service or Popular Forces
Hamas’s rhetoric has grown increasingly hostile. They denounced Israeli backing for Abu Shabab. They threatened that if he didn’t respond, or if he did not compel his forces to withdraw, he would suffer tremendous pain.
“Had it not been for the intervention of the Zionist air force to protect the traitor Yasser Abu Shabab … he would have been in the grip of the resistance today.” – Hamas
Moreover, they have made no secret of their intent to persist in their crusade against any who they consider traitors.
“We will pursue the traitors no matter how long it takes and we affirm that the occupation’s protection of him will not last, and we will reach him sooner or later.” – Hamas
Israeli analysts have warned that by giving dominant status to groups like Abu Shabab’s militia, the PA would bring Gaza further down the path towards a civil war. As violent incidents increase and attacks on Palestinians persist, the destabilizing ripple effects this violence and incitement can have on broader regional security are profound and concerning.