Reports indicate that a prominent anti-Hamas clan leader, known for safeguarding civilians in Gaza, has been killed in Rafah, according to various sources.
Analysts state that Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the Abu Shabab militia—locally referred to as the “Popular Forces”—had gained recognition for collaborating with Israel to combat Hamas’ influence in the area.
“, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, told Digital that “the Abu Shabab militia aided Israel in safeguarding local populations and preventing them from being harmed by Hamas.”
He added that “Hamas has grown increasingly concerned due to these developments and is making every effort to dismantle them. It views them as a significant threat; however, the fact that Abu Shabab was assassinated by a rival Hamula suggests that disarming Hamas alone will not be sufficient.
“He further cautioned, “Still, without an effective alternative governance to Hamas, the Strip will deteriorate into chaos.”
As previously reported by Digital in July, after the IDF entered Rafah, Hamas began to lose its grip on the area.
His men, reportedly operating under Israeli protection, were observed escorting aid trucks and asserting control over portions of eastern Rafah.
On Thursday, sources reported that Abu Shabab was initially wounded during a clan-related confrontation. He was then evacuated to a hospital in southern Israel, where he subsequently died from his injuries.
The Popular Forces later issued a statement, also cited by The Jerusalem Post, confirming Abu Shabab’s death and asserting he was killed while attempting to mediate a dispute.
The group vowed to continue its operations until “the last terrorist was eliminated in Gaza,” and would keep pursuing “a for our people who believe in peace,” the outlet reported.
In a previous interview with , Abu Shabab stated, “We will not leave the Gaza Strip and will continue to fight Hamas.”
Georgios Petropoulos, a senior U.N. official, once referred to him as “the self-styled power broker of east Rafah,” according to a previous interview.
Michael added, “Israel has never believed that these militias can replace Hamas or become an effective ruler of the Gaza Strip.”
He continued, “But both sides have a common enemy — Hamas. On the other hand, these militias were and are against Hamas and willing to fight Hamas. Israel perceived these militias as another operational tool in its war against Hamas and established cooperation with them based on local interests and essence.”
According to , Abu Shabab’s militia continued its operations from Israeli-controlled areas of southern Gaza after the .
On November 18, the group published a video showing its fighters preparing for a security sweep to “clear Rafah of terror,” referring to Hamas forces believed to be concealed in the area.
As Digital reported, the ceasefire resulted in a , clan groups, and networks forming as Hamas’ control weakened across the region, including the Popular Forces in Rafah.
Michael concluded, “The situation is very fragile and unstable as long as Hamas is able to operate freely in Gaza.”
Digital has sought comment from the IDF and the Israeli government.