According to Israel’s public broadcaster on Thursday, the leader of an armed Palestinian faction opposing Hamas in Gaza has been killed. This could hinder Israeli efforts to support Palestinian clans against Hamas.
Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin tribal chief from Israeli-held Rafah in southern Gaza, led the most notable of several small anti-Hamas groups that have formed since the conflict began over two years ago.
Hamas labeled him a collaborator and instructed its forces to capture or kill him.
There was no immediate update on Abu Shabab’s condition on the Facebook page of his group, the Popular Forces.
In June, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel had armed anti-Hamas clans, but few details of the policy have been disclosed since.
Israeli media, including Kan, reported Abu Shabab’s death, citing a security source.
Israel’s Army Radio also cited a security source, claiming he died in Soroka hospital in southern Israel from unspecified injuries, though the hospital later denied his admission.
Reports did not specify when or how he sustained his injuries.
An Israeli government spokesperson refused to comment on the report. Hamas, through its Gaza spokesperson, also had no comment. Other Israeli authorities made no immediate statements.
Abu Shabab’s group has denied receiving support from Israel.
It continues to operate in areas controlled by Israeli forces since the US-brokered ceasefire in October.
On November 18, Abu Shabab’s group shared a video showing fighters receiving orders from his deputy to conduct a security sweep to “clear Rafah of terror,” likely referring to Hamas fighters believed to be in hiding there.
