Gaza — July 10, 2025 — A newly formed Palestinian militia known as the Popular Forces has surfaced in southern Gaza, openly challenging Hamas’ long-standing control over the enclave amid a dramatic collapse of the group’s internal security structure.
Led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin figure in his thirties with a controversial past, the Popular Forces claim to be a grassroots movement formed to protect humanitarian aid and restore civil order. Operating primarily in eastern Rafah, the group has grown to over 300 members and is reportedly receiving arms and logistical support from Israel, according to multiple sources.
Abu Shabab, once imprisoned by Hamas for criminal offenses, was freed during the early stages of the war when Israeli airstrikes decimated Hamas detention facilities. Since then, his group has gained traction among disaffected Gazans, many of whom accuse Hamas of corruption and mismanagement. “We are not professional fighters,” the Popular Forces said in a statement to Euronews. “We are volunteers from among the people, protecting aid from looting and organized theft”.
The emergence of this militia coincides with reports from a senior Hamas commander that the group has lost control over 80% of Gaza, with its leadership decimated and command structures in ruins. Armed clans and criminal gangs have reportedly filled the vacuum, and looting of Hamas facilities has gone unchecked.
Abu Shabab’s forces have been seen securing humanitarian corridors and confronting Hamas operatives in Rafah and Khan Younis. In a recent interview, he did not rule out the possibility of civil war with Hamas, stating, “There is no stopping a civil war against Hamas”.
While Hamas has labeled Abu Shabab a traitor and issued a 10-day ultimatum for his surrender, the militia leader has responded defiantly, accusing Hamas of collaborating with foreign powers hostile to Palestinian interests.
Israeli officials have acknowledged arming Abu Shabab’s group as part of a broader strategy to empower local actors opposed to Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, saying it “saved the lives of Israeli soldiers” and helped secure aid delivery.
The rise of the Popular Forces marks a potential turning point in Gaza’s internal dynamics, raising questions about post-Hamas governance and the role of external powers in shaping the territory’s future. Analysts warn that while the group may offer short-term stability, its long-term legitimacy and capacity to govern remain uncertain.
As ceasefire talks continue in Doha, the situation on the ground in Gaza grows increasingly volatile, with the Popular Forces poised to play a pivotal role in the next chapter of the enclave’s political evolution.
Exclusive: New Militia Emerges in Gaza, Threatens Hamas’ Grip on PowerRafah,
