Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza, Nov 21: Serious concerns are mounting in Gaza as a network of newly formed armed groups—ranging from clan-based factions to criminal gangs and emerging militia—has begun taking control of areas previously held by Hamas. Several of these groups have received covert backing from Israel, a fact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently acknowledged, triggering intense criticism from Palestinians.

These militia operate across nearly 53% of Gaza’s territory currently controlled by Israeli forces under the ceasefire arrangement. Yet, they remain excluded from US President Donald Trump’s peace blueprint, which proposes an International Stabilisation Force and a new Palestinian police force for future governance.

One of the most prominent groups is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, whose “Popular Forces” operate near Rafah. Another, the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force headed by Hossam al-Astal near Khan Younis, claims it has been in touch with “US representatives” regarding a future policing role—though American officials have not confirmed this.

Al-Astal, once part of the Palestinian Authority (PA), now oversees a growing tent settlement within the Israeli-controlled Yellow Line. He admits coordinating with Israel to bring in food, weapons, and supplies, though he insists, “We are not Israel’s agents.” He says families continue to flock to his camp, which he describes as “the new Gaza,” open to cooperation with the PA, the US, and “anyone aligning with us.”

However, many civilians in Gaza are alarmed, calling these groups dangerous and illegitimate. “These groups that cooperate with the occupation are the worst outcome of this war,” said Gaza City resident Zaher Doulah. Another resident, Saleh Sweidan, described them as “criminals with no ethics.”

Some families, like 31-year-old Montaser Masoud and his wife and children, have crossed into the militia-controlled areas seeking safety from Hamas. But they remain under constant threat, with Israeli gunfire frequently shaking their surroundings.

Despite their claims of resisting Hamas, several of these groups face serious allegations. Abu Shabab’s forces have been accused of looting aid trucks, and some members reportedly have past ties to the Islamic State group. Still, Netanyahu defended Israel’s covert support, saying it “saves soldiers’ lives.”

The future of these militia under the US-brokered plan remains uncertain. The PA has firmly rejected suggestions that such fighters will be integrated into Gaza’s future police structure. “Israel’s demands do not necessarily benefit Palestinians,” PA security spokesperson Maj-Gen Anwar Rajab said in Ramallah.

Security analysts warn that Israel may be repeating a historic mistake. Michael Milshtein, former head of Palestinian affairs in Israeli military intelligence, compared the situation to US support for the Taliban in the 1980s. He cautioned that the weapons Israel provides today could one day be used against Israeli forces.

While some Israeli officials view these groups as a means to weaken Hamas and fracture Palestinian unity, critics fear Gaza may once again be reshaped by an armed movement empowered by foreign backing—echoing the rise of Hamas itself four decades ago.