Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Dec 5: Tension escalated in southern Gaza after Yasser Abu Shabab, the prominent leader of the Popular Forces militia and a known critic of Hamas, was shot dead under mysterious circumstances near Rafah. His death has sparked conflicting claims and intensified speculation about power struggles within the Palestinian factions.
According to the Popular Forces, Abu Shabab was reportedly trying to mediate a dispute between members of the Abu Seneima family when unknown assailants opened fire. The group strongly rejected allegations that Hamas was behind the killing, calling such claims misleading. However, a statement from Abu Shabab’s tribe, the Tarabin, accused “the resistance” of targeting him, demanding accountability for what it termed a betrayal of their community.
Sources indicate that Abu Shabab’s killing may have stemmed from internal rifts among Gaza’s armed groups. Though Hamas did not directly claim involvement, it released a stern message stating that the fate Abu Shabab met would befall all who side with the “occupation forces”, referring to Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Army Radio cited a security official who claimed Abu Shabab was evacuated to a hospital in Beersheba before succumbing to his injuries. The hospital, however, denied he was treated there, adding further mystery to the incident.
Abu Shabab’s militia vowed to continue his mission and pledged to work towards what they described as a future free from terrorism, while insisting that their group believes in peace and security for Gaza’s population.
His death comes at a sensitive time, especially after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier confirmed that Palestinian clans opposing Hamas were being supported with arms. Though media reports specifically linked such supplies to the Popular Forces, the militia had denied any association with Israeli weapons or influence.
The militia has also faced accusations of looting humanitarian aid during the ongoing conflict, claims they have repeatedly dismissed. Reports in Israel alleged possible Islamic State connections within the group, which too were refuted.
Abu Shabab was said to be one among several anti-Hamas figures positioning themselves for a role in Gaza’s potential transitional governance under the second phase of the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The first phase of the deal led to a hostage-prisoner exchange and partial Israeli withdrawal, while the second phase envisages Hamas disarmament, deployment of an international stabilisation force, and establishment of a temporary administration for Gaza.
Talks on the next stage remain stalled, with Israel insisting all hostages must be returned before fresh negotiations proceed. The conflict, which began with the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, continues to inflict a heavy toll. As per the Gaza health authorities, over 70,120 Palestinians have lost their lives during Israel’s retaliatory military operations.
Abu Shabab’s killing has now added a fresh layer of uncertainty to Gaza’s fragile political landscape, raising fear of further infighting among armed groups already divided over the region’s future governance.