Popular Forces

{{Short description|Palestinian anti-Hamas militia}} {{Distinguish|Popular Force}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox political party | name = Popular Forces | native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ar|القوات الشعبية}}<br />{{transliteration|ar|DIN|al-Quwwāt ash-Shaʿbiyya}}}} | logo = Emblem of Popular Forces.svg | colorcode = #00FF00 | leader = Ghassan Duhine{{efn|The Leader of the Popular Forces also leads the Administration since 6 May 2025}} | spokesman = Abu Awad<ref>{{cite web|title= Inside the Israel-backed militias, rival clans and Hamas factions battling for power in Gaza|url= https://www.aol.com/articles/inside-israel-backed-militias-rival-084228092.html|website=AOL|date=21 October 2025|publisher=The Independent|access-date=5 December 2025}}</ref> | founded = {{start date and age|2024}} | ideology = {{unbulletedlist| | Anti-Hamas nationalism (proclaimed)<ref>{{Cite web|title= Israeli-backed Palestinian militia leader Shabab killed while trying to resolve family dispute|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/12/04/israeli-backed-palestinian-militia-leader-shabab-killed-while-trying-to-resolve-family-dispute_6748164_4.html|website=Le Monde|date=4 December 2025|access-date=29 March 2026}}</ref> | Non-ideological (proclaimed)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjju8qqdge |title=In Gaza's Rafah, rebel commander claims war already over—and offers alternative to Hamas |date=27 July 2025 |website= Ynet}}</ref> | Salafi jihadism (elements, alleged)<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2025 |title='Popular Forces': Who are the Gaza gangsters being armed by Israel? |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/popular-forces-who-are-gangsters-being-armed-israel|website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Tamimi |first=Aymenn Jawad |date=9 June 2025 |title='ISIS-Affiliated Gangs' in Gaza? |url=https://www.meforum.org/mef-online/isis-affiliated-gangs-in-gaza |website=Middle East Forum |quote=It may also be that some members of Yaser's militia have a Salafi background and/or had links to smuggling to and from the Sinai region.}}</ref> }} | headquarters = Al-Bayuk, Rafah<ref>https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/resisting-the-resistance-gazas-anti-hamas-militias/</ref> | website = https://www.facebook.com/popularforces1 | country = {{flag|Palestine}} (see administration) | founder = Yasser Abu Shabab | native_name_lang = ar | membership = 500–700 {{small|(estimate as of October 2025)}}<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Sharawi | first1 = Ahmad | last2 = Truzman | first2 = Joe | title = Profiles of anti-Hamas militias in the Gaza Strip | url = https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/10/profiles-of-anti-hamas-militias-in-the-gaza-strip.php | website = FDD's Long War Journal | date = 19 October 2025 | access-date = 6 December 2025 | language = English }}</ref> | national = {{flagicon|Palestine}} Popular Forces administration in the Gaza Strip | flag = Flag of Palestine.svg | flag_title = Flag | country2 = {{flag|Palestine}} (see administration) | caption = The emblem of the Popular Forces | image = | lang1 = Anti-Terror Service | name_lang1 = | affiliation1_title = Allies | affiliation1 = '''State allies''':  {{unbulletedlist | {{flag|Israel}}<ref name="timesofisrael.com">{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/leader-of-militia-in-gaza-fighting-hamas-admits-cooperating-with-idf/|title=Leader of militia in Gaza fighting Hamas admits cooperating with IDF|date=6 July 2025|website=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref name="france24.com">{{Cite web |date=7 June 2025 |title=Israel admits support for anti-Hamas armed group accused of looting Gaza aid |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250607-israel-admits-support-anti-hamas-armed-group-accused-looting-gaza-aid-bedouin-abu-shabab |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> | {{flag|United Arab Emirates}} (allegedly)<ref name=sky>{{Cite web |last=van der Merwe |first=Ben |last2=Doak |first2=Sam |last3=Alkhaldi |first3=Celine |title=Revealed: The plan for a 'New Gaza' - and the four militias Israel is backing to defeat Hamas |url=https://news.sky.com/story/revealed-the-plan-for-a-new-gaza-and-the-four-militias-israel-is-backing-to-defeat-hamas-13456416 |access-date=2025-10-30 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SN-20251004">{{cite web |last1=van der Merwe |first1=Ben |last2=Doak |first2=Sam |title=Guns, cash and American aid: Investigation reveals Israel's support for Gaza militia |url=https://news.sky.com/story/guns-cash-and-american-aid-investigation-reveals-israels-support-for-gaza-militia-13442260 |work=Sky News |date=4 October 2025 |access-date=3 December 2025}}</ref> }}'''Non-state allies''':{{unbulletedlist | Counter-Terrorism Strike Force<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-20 |title=Israel-aligned Bedouin-linked factions to combat Hamas |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868167 |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> | {{flagicon|Fatah}} Shuja'iyya Popular Defence Forces | {{flag|Islamic State}} ({{small|denied}})<ref name="TNA-20250606">{{Cite web |date=6 June 2025 |title=Who are the 'ISIS-linked, aid-stealing' Gaza militia supported by Israel? |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/who-are-isis-linked-gaza-militia-backed-israel |website=The New Arab}}</ref> }} | affiliation2_title = Opponents | affiliation2 = {{Tree list}} * {{flagicon|Palestine}} Palestinian Joint Operations Room<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/palestinian-factions-threaten-traitor-abu-shabab-over-collaboration-israel|title=Palestinian factions threaten 'traitor' Abu Shabab over collaboration with Israel|website= Middle East Eye}}</ref> ** {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} Al-Qassam Brigades ** ''and others...'' * {{Flagicon image|Coat of arms of Palestine.svg|border=|size=20px}} Ministry of Interior of the Gaza Strip ** {{Flagicon image|Emblem of the Palestinian Civil Police Force.png|border=|size=17px}}Gaza Police<ref name="middleeastmonitor.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250102-gaza-police-chief-his-deputy-killed-in-israel-strike-on-khan-yunis/ | title=Gaza police chief, his deputy killed in Israel strike on Khan Yunis | date=2 January 2025 }}</ref> *** Arrow Unit<ref>{{cite web|last1=Berman |first1=Lazar |last2=Fabian |first2=Emanuel |last3=Freiberg |first3=Nava |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-police-says-it-killed-12-members-of-gazas-israeli-backed-abu-shabab-militia/|title=Hamas police says it killed 12 members of Gaza's Israeli-backed Abu Shabab militia|website= The Times of Israel |date=12 June 2025 }}</ref> ** Internal Security Services *** Rad'a Force<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2025 |title=حماس تعدم عناصر من جماعة "ياسر أبو شباب" |url=https://almashhadalaraby.com/news/520318 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=المشهد العربي |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-30 |title=Hamas executes six alleged Israel collaborators in Khan Yunis operation |url=https://caliber.az/en/post/hamas-executes-six-alleged-israel-collaborators-in-khan-yunis-operation |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=Caliber |language=en}}</ref> {{tree list/end}} | blank1_title = Subgroups | blank1 = * Popular Army – Northern Forces * Popular Army in Rafah (Free Homeland Forces) * Popular Defense Forces – Khalil al-Wazir Battalion | wing1_title = Armed Wing | wing1 = Counter-Terrorism Service ''<small>(de facto from 2024, but officially 2025–present)</small>'' | blank2 = {{Tree list}} * Gaza–Israel conflict ** Gaza war *** Rafah offensive *** Battle of Khan Yunis (2025) *** Anti-Hamas insurgency in Gaza **** 2025 Hamas executions<ref name="F24-20251024" /> **** Killing of Yasser Abu Shabab **** 2025 Hamas–Doghmush conflict<ref name="F24-20251024">{{cite web |last=Alijani |first=Ershad |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20251024-gaza-militias-clan-wars-hamas-power-struggle-2025 |title=Inside post-ceasefire Gaza: Israel-backed militias, clan wars and Hamas's fight to survive |work=France 24 |date=24 October 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025}}</ref> *** Israeli attacks on the Maghazi refugee camp

{{Tree list/end}} | blank2_title = Battles and Wars | blank3 = {{flagicon|Palestine}}{{Flagicon|Hamas}} Hamas Government of the Gaza Strip{{cn|date=April 2026}} | blank3_title = Designated as terror group by }}{{politics of the Gaza Strip}} The '''Popular Forces''',{{efn|{{langx|ar|القوات الشعبية|al-Quwwāt ash-Shaʿbiyya}}.}} also known as the '''Anti-Terror Service''',{{Efn|This group is named by some sources as "Anti-Terror Service" or "Popular Forces or Anti-Terror Service".<ref name="Guardian-20250610" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2025 |title=Israeli-Backed Militia Leader Emerges in Gaza Amid Growing Controversy |url=https://slguardian.org/israeli-backed-militia-leader-emerges-in-gaza-amid-growing-controversy/ |website=Sri Lanka Guardian |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Helles |first=Amal |date=8 June 2025 |title=Armed by Netanyahu, gangs of Gaza hold sway in the rubble |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war/article/armed-by-netanyahu-gangs-of-gaza-hold-sway-in-the-rubble-gzqqgh9z3 |website=The Sunday Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2025 |title=Inside Israel's 'messianic' plan to arm and back gangs in Gaza |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25222479.israels-arming-gazas-crime-gangs-certain-backfire-disastrously/ |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2025 |title=Hamas kills 50 members of Israeli-backed gang in Gaza |url=https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1464095/hamas-kills-50-members-of-israeli-backed-gang-in-gaza.html |website=L'Orient Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2025 |title=Hamas kills at least 50 Palestinian fighters armed by Israel in Gaza |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Jun/11/hamas-kills-at-least-50-palestinian-fighters-armed-by-israel-in-gaza |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TNA-20250606">{{Cite web |date=6 June 2025 |title=Who are the 'ISIS-linked, aid-stealing' Gaza militia supported by Israel? |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/who-are-isis-linked-gaza-militia-backed-israel |website=The New Arab}}</ref>}} is a Palestinian anti-Hamas armed group active in the Gaza Strip which was founded and led by Yasser Abu Shabab until his death on 4 December 2025. Following Yasser Abu Shabab's death, Ghassan Duhine proclaimed himself the new leader.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-05 |title=Ghassan Al-Duhaini to replace Shabab as Popular Forces head |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-879358 |access-date=2025-12-05 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en |issn=0792-822X }}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Isaacson |first=Gila |date=2025-12-06 |title=Anti-Hamas Militia in Gaza Chooses New Leader After Yasser Abu Shabab Di |url=https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/anti-hamas-militia-leadership |access-date=2025-12-07 |website=JFeed |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Lappin |first=Yaakov |date=10 June 2025 |title=Israel's gambit: Empowering Gaza militia to help crush Hamas |url=https://www.jns.org/israels-gambit-empowering-gaza-militia-to-help-crush-hamas/ |access-date=20 June 2025 |website=JNS |language=en-US}}</ref> The Popular Forces are Israeli-backed and allegedly Islamic State (IS)-linked.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple sources: <ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Lis |first=Jonathan |date=5 June 2025 |title=Netanyahu Says Israel Fighting Hamas 'In Various Ways' Amid Claims It Armed ISIS-affiliated Gaza Militia |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-05/ty-article/israel-arming-isis-affiliated-anti-hamas-gaza-militia-ex-defense-chief-claims/00000197-3f88-d079-ab97-7fcdd7120000 |website=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last1=Halabi |first1=Einav |last2=Yehoshua |first2=Yossi |date=5 June 2025 |title=Gaza militia leader Israel is arming to challenge Hamas: Who is Yasser Abu-Shabab? |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/r1vgxs1meg |work=Ynet News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web |date=5 June 2025 |title=Israel opposition leader says Netanyahu arming 'equivalent of Isis' gangs in Gaza |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-opposition-leader-says-netanyahu-arming-criminal-gangs-gaza |website=Middle East Eye}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Rasgon |first=Adam |date=6 June 2025 |title=Who Leads the Israeli-backed Palestinian Militia in Gaza? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-palestinian-militia-hamas-abu-shabab.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web |date=29 June 2025 |title=The Abu Shabab armed group in Gaza coordinates with the Israeli military |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/28/live-outrage-over-report-israeli-troops-ordered-to-shoot-gaza-aid-seekers |website=Al Jazeera English|access-date=22 August 2025}}</ref>}} The group, which has been described as a gang or militia,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Tondo |first=Lorenzo |date=5 June 2025 |title=Israel accused of arming Palestinian gang who allegedly looted aid in Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/05/israel-accused-of-arming-palestinian-gang-who-allegedly-looted-aid-in-gaza |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> is made up of approximately 500–700 men who operate in eastern Rafah<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2025 |title=Netanyahu admits Israel supporting anti-Hamas 'criminal gang' in Gaza |url=https://trt.global/world/article/7356f37bc712 |website=TRT Global |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> and eastern Khan Yunis.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=2025-10-12 |title=Gaza militia commander tells ynet: 'Hamas is weak — it's only a matter of time until it falls' |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1iw2dtaeg |access-date=2025-10-13 |work=Ynetglobal |language=en}}</ref> The Popular Army – Northern Forces militia of the northern Gaza Strip, led by Ashraf al-Mansi, also reportedly operates as part of the Popular Forces.<ref name="The Times of Israel">{{Cite news |date=2025-10-12 |title=Hamas reappears on Gaza's streets, and two of three militias that fought it go quiet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-reappears-on-gazas-streets-and-two-of-three-militias-that-fought-it-go-quiet/ |access-date=2025-10-13 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref><ref name=":110">{{Cite web |last=Matamis |first=Joaquin |date=2025-10-27 |title=Gaza's Armed Fragmentation: Clans, Militias, and Rival Power Centers • Stimson Center |url=https://www.stimson.org/2025/gazas-armed-fragmentation-clans-militias-and-rival-power-centers/ |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Stimson Center |language=en-US}}</ref> Israeli support for the Popular Forces was only revealed in June 2025, but the group has been active since the beginning of the Rafah offensive in May 2024.<ref name=":8"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Fabian |first1=Emanuel |last2=Yohanan |first2=Nurit |last3=Freiberg |first3=Nava |date=5 June 2025 |title=Israel providing guns to Gaza gang to bolster opposition to Hamas |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-providing-guns-to-gaza-jihadist-gang-to-bolster-opposition-to-hamas/ |website=The Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Popular Forces were able to come to power in Rafah during the Gaza war amid the power vacuum left by a weakened Hamas.<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":9" /> The Popular Forces controlled territory and aid routes near the Egypt–Gaza border, and were accused of looting humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2025 |title=Israel is backing a militia known for looting aid in Gaza |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/06/09/israel-is-backing-a-militia-known-for-looting-aid-in-gaza_6742148_4.html |access-date=13 June 2025 |website=Le Monde |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=11 July 2025 |title=The gangster Israel is arming to fight Hamas |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/11/the-gangster-israel-is-arming-to-fight-hamas |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}</ref> described by a United Nations official as "grand larceny".<ref name=":0" /> The group maintained that it protects civilians from "the terror of the Hamas government" and denies large-scale looting.<ref name=":3" /> In June 2025, the Popular Forces announced that they were helping to protect aid shipments sent to distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF),<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=5 June 2025 |title=Netanyahu admits Israel backing 'criminal' groups, rivals of Hamas, in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/5/netanyahu-admits-israel-backed-armed-rivals-of-hamas-in-gaza |website=Al Jazeera English |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":19" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=6 June 2025 |title=Israel has 'activated' some Palestinian clans opposed to Hamas in Gaza, Netanyahu says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/israel-activated-palestinian-clans-opposed-hamas-gaza-netanyahu-says-rcna211379 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> and aid truck drivers told CNN that Abu Shabab had furnished men to protect aid convoys.<ref name=":9" /> In the same month, the Popular Forces and the Israel Defense Forces were accused of shooting and killing multiple Gazans seeking aid at a GHF aid site.<ref name="AP-20250609">{{Cite web |last=Shufara|first=Wafaa|date=9 June 2025|title=Palestinians say Israel and its allies fired on a crowd near Gaza aid site. Hospital says 14 killed|url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-hostages-aid-06-09-2025-3a6073a0905a60f9a99625852cf8ad19|website=Associated Press|language=en}}</ref>

Israeli officials acknowledged sending weapons to the Popular Forces, as part of a program of arming and supporting anti-Hamas elements and clans in the Gaza Strip.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Dahman |first2=Ibrahim |last3=Liebermann |first3=Oren |last4=Kourdi |first4=Eyad |date=8 June 2025 |title=Champion of the people or a traitor? A new force emerges in southern Gaza |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/08/middleeast/gaza-yasser-abu-shabab-israel-aid-intl |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref name="france24.com"/><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last1=Yosef |first1=Eugenia |last2=Liebermann |first2=Oren |date=6 June 2025 |title=Israel confirms it is arming Hamas rivals in operation opposition calls 'complete madness' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/middleeast/israel-arming-hamas-rivals-gaza-intl |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Ott |first=Haley |date=6 June 2025 |title=Opponents say Netanyahu's decision to arm "clans in Gaza" to help fight Hamas will come back to haunt Israel |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-arming-gangs-gaza-clans-activated/ |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> Abu Shabab acknowledged collaboration with Israel.<ref name="timesofisrael.com"/> Hamas,<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tom |date=10 June 2025 |title=Hamas takes aim at rival "outcast" group amid Gaza infighting |url=https://www.newsweek.com/hamas-takes-aim-rival-outcast-group-amid-gaza-infighting-2083186 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> an unnamed Israeli security official,<ref name=":24" /> and Israeli opposition politicians such as Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Yair Lapid<ref name=":10" /> have alleged that the Popular Forces is affiliated with IS,<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Monks |first=Kieron |date=6 June 2025 |title=The 'Isis-linked' bandit gang working with Israel in Gaza |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/the-isis-linked-bandit-gang-working-with-israel-in-gaza-3735530 |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=The i Paper |language=en-US}}</ref> and have lambasted Israeli support of the group.<ref name=":11" /> Some of the prominent figures of the Popular Forces were identified as former IS militants who fought in the Sinai insurgency.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=8 June 2025 |title=Inside the Gaza militia armed by Israel: A history of terror, ISIS ties and attacks on IDF |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1skwx7xgx |access-date=8 June 2025 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}</ref> A member of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Muhammad Shehada, stated that majority of Abu Shabab's group consists of "convicted murderers, thieves, collaborators, drug dealers or members of ISIS [ISIL] in Sinai or in Gaza itself".<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Abu Shabab denied connections to IS, labelling the allegations as propaganda meant to sow hostility between Arabs and Israelis.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=8 June 2025 |title=Gaza militia leader's 1st interview with Israeli media |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/409612 |website=Arutz Sheva |language=en|quote=We don’t work with Israel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Head of Gaza militia cited denying Israel support, demanding Hamas cede power|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/head-of-gaza-militia-cited-denying-israel-support-demanding-hamas-cede-power/|website=The Times of Israel|date=8 June 2025}}</ref>

== History == === Origins and characteristics === The Popular Forces founded by Yasser Abu Shabab, a local clan leader,<ref name=":18" /> gangster,<ref name=":23" /> and former drug trafficker convicted and imprisoned by the Hamas government.<ref name="Guardian-20250610">{{Cite news |last1=Tondo |first1=Lorenzo |last2=Risheq |first2=Jamal |date=10 June 2025 |title=From Gaza prisoner to 'the Israeli agent': how rise of Abu Shabab could ignite new phase of war |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/10/abu-shabab-the-israeli-agent-gaza-war |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Abu Shabab was arrested by Hamas in 2015 on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 25 years in Asda prison, located in Khan Yunis. The group was created after Abu Shabab escaped from the prison as it was bombed by Israel in October 2023. Reportedly, after his escape, Abu Shabab headed to the Kerem Shalom border crossing and assembled a force of a few hundred men, exerting control over the territory near it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2025 |title='Popular Forces': Who are the Gaza gangsters being armed by Israel? |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/popular-forces-who-are-gangsters-being-armed-israel |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> Abu Shabab's own tribe, the Tarabin Bedouins,<nowiki/> has publicly disavowed Abu Shabab due to his collaboration with Israel,<ref>{{Cite web |title=What You Need to Know About the Man of the Hour, Yaser Abu Shabab, and the Militia He Founded |url=https://www.inss.org.il/social_media/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-man-of-the-hour-yaser-abu-shabab-and-the-militia-he-founded/ |access-date=2026-05-09 |website=INSS |language=en-US}}</ref> and has also assisted the Egyptian army in fighting against ISIS.<ref name=":23" />

Under its current form and name, the group emerged in Rafah in May 2024 amid Israel's Rafah offensive. According to sources, members of the group belonged to earlier Salafi jihadist factions that opposed Hamas,<ref name=":2" /> former Palestinian officers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perlov |first=Orit |date=8 June 2025 |title=What You Need to Know About the Man of the Hour, Yaser Abu Shabab, and the Militia He Founded |url=https://www.inss.org.il/social_media/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-man-of-the-hour-yaser-abu-shabab-and-the-militia-he-founded/ |website=Tel Aviv University |language=en-US}}</ref> and known criminals.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Batrawy |first=Aya |date=21 November 2024 |title=A closer look at how armed gangs steal tons of aid in Gaza |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/21/nx-s1-5196553/a-closer-look-at-how-armed-gangs-steal-tons-of-aid-in-gaza |access-date=8 June 2025 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last1=Tauschinski |first1=Jana |last2=Tapper |first2=Malaika Kanaaneh |date=20 November 2024 |title=How gangsters took over Gaza's aid routes |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6a039600-d4f3-4aaa-ae0f-e4ca72cf2268 |work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= In Gaza, Israel promotes anti-Hamas militias linked to criminal networks|url= https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/06/08/in-gaza-israel-promotes-anti-hamas-militias-linked-to-criminal-networks_6742128_4.html|website=Le Monde|last=Forey|first=Samuel|date=8 June 2025|access-date=10 June 2025}}</ref> The group has 300 men, 50 of whom were personally recruited by Abu Shahab, while the other 250 men were allegedly recruited through the Palestinian Authority's intelligence services.<ref name=":2" /> The gang took control of much of the Nasr neighborhood in eastern Rafah, which was significantly damaged by bombing from the IDF, as well as aid routes around the Keram Shalom border crossing, including territory 1.5 km from the crossing.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":14" /> The Popular Forces had also expanded into Khan Yunis, north of Rafah.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2025 |title=Members of Abu Shabab have taken control of Nasser Hospital |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-859262 |access-date=30 June 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref>

The Popular Forces are armed with assault rifles and equipped with radios and night-vision goggles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AlTaher |first=Nada |date=13 June 2025 |title=Who are the Abu Shabab armed militia that Israel is backing in Gaza? |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/beyond-the-headlines/2025/06/13/who-are-the-abu-shabab-armed-militia-that-israel-is-backing-in-gaza/ |website=The National}}</ref> Denying being armed by Israel,{{cn|date=February 2026}} Abu Shabab claimed that the Popular Forces were funded by "individual efforts and donations" and that they were armed with "primitive weapons" which were inherited from local tribes. He claimed that his group was a humanitarian effort and that it was allowing families to escape from "war and famine".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kahana |first=Ariel |date=8 June 2025 |title=Renegade Gaza warlord rejects Hamas control, denies Israeli ties |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/08/renegade-gaza-warlord-rejects-hamas-control-denies-israeli-ties/ |website=Israel Hayom |language=en-US}}</ref> Abu Shabab stated that his group were grassroots forces<ref name=":20" /> and that they were not an official authority, nor were they operating under control of the Palestinian Authority (PA).<ref name=":9" /> However, Abu Shabab had stated that his militia operates "under Palestinian legitimacy", ostensibly a reference to the PA.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":16" /> Major General Anwar Rajab, spokesman of the Palestinian Authority security services, told CNN that there were no connections between the PA and the Popular Forces.<ref name=":16" /> The Guardian noted that Abu Shabab's statements often appeared contradictory and in contradiction to previous statements or verifiable evidence.<ref name="Guardian-20250610" />

=== Leaders and commanders === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Name !Role !Status !references |- |Yasser Abu Shabab |Leader, until 4 December 2025 |Fugitive, killed on 4 December 2025 |<ref name=":6" /><ref name="ReutersJuly2">{{cite web |date=2 July 2025 |title=Hamas orders Gaza clan leader to surrender, accuses him of treason |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-orders-gaza-clan-leader-surrender-accuses-him-treason-2025-07-02/ |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 July 2025 |title=Hamas orders 'Israel-linked' Gaza gang leader to surrender |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/hamas-orders-israel-linked-gaza-gang-leader-surrender |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250704082135/https://www.newarab.com/news/hamas-orders-israel-linked-gaza-gang-leader-surrender |archive-date=4 July 2025 |work=The New Arab |language=en-EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haroni |first=Liran |date=2 July 2025 |title=Hamas: Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab must turn himself in |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-859735 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2025 |title=Hamas-run court gives Gaza gang leader Abu Shabab 10 days to surrender |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/2/hamas-run-court-gives-gaza-gang-leader-abu-shabab-10-days-to-surrender |access-date=26 July 2025 |website=Al Jazeera English |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Ghassan Duhine |Commander of the Popular Forces' armed wing the Counter-Terrorism Service, new leader of the Popular Forces after Yasser Abu Shabab's death. |Wounded on 4 December 2025 |<ref name="SN-20251004" /><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":15" /> |- |Abu Awad |Spokesperson | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-21 |title=Inside the Israel-backed militias, rival clans and Hamas factions battling for power in Gaza |url=https://www.aol.com/articles/inside-israel-backed-militias-rival-084228092.html |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=AOL |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Issam Nabahin |Senior commander |Fugitive |<ref name="SN-20251004" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=2025-06-08 |title=Inside the Gaza militia armed by Israel: A history of terror, ISIS ties and attacks on IDF |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1skwx7xgx |access-date=2025-12-03 |work=Ynet |language=en}}</ref> |- |Ashraf al-Mansi |Leader of the Popular Army – Northern Forces | |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yohanan |first=Nurit |date=2025-10-12 |title=Hamas reappears on Gaza's streets, and two of three militias that fought it go quiet |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-reappears-on-gazas-streets-and-two-of-three-militias-that-fought-it-go-quiet/ |access-date=2025-12-03 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> |- |Ahmad Zidan al-Tarabin |Responsible for recruiting militants |Executed by Hamas |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=2025-10-13 |title=Hours after hostage release, Hamas terrorists publicly execute rival militia members in Gaza |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjrx3hcale |access-date=2025-12-03 |work=Ynet |language=en}}</ref> |- |Hassan Abu Shabab |Commander and relative of Yasser Abu Shabab | |<ref name="SN-20251004" /> |- |Shawqi Abu Nasira |Leader of the Popular Army in Rafah | |<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-23 |title=New Gaza militia forms under Shawqi Abu Nasira |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874925 |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Truzman |first=Joe |date=2025-12-06 |title=Anti-Hamas Popular Forces militia leader killed in Gaza |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/12/anti-hamas-popular-forces-militia-leader-killed-in-gaza.php |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Abu Anas Zeidan |Lieutenant in the Popular Army – Northern Forces | |<ref name="Adler">{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Jonathan |date=2025-12-12 |title=Israel's Gaza proxy strategy is collapsing |url=https://www.972mag.com/israel-gaza-proxy-yasser-abu-shabab/ |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=+972 Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Khaled Abu Sanida |Chief of staff of the Counter-Terrorism Service | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotlight on Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (December 16-23, 2025) |url=https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/spotlight-on-terrorism-and-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-december-16-23-2025/}}</ref> |}

=== Aid looting === In 2024, amid severe food shortages in Gaza,<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Gangs and 'ultra-violence' blocking south Gaza aid distribution |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93qevdpzvqo |access-date=15 June 2025 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> the Popular Forces were widely accused of looting humanitarian aid by truck drivers, Gazan transportation company owners, aid workers, aid groups, and international humanitarian officials.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":5" /> On 16 November 2024, gangsters, including the Popular Forces, looted 109 UN aid trucks,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Batrawy |first=Aya |date=20 November 2024 |title=Here's what happened in Gaza after biggest looting of U.N. food aid in recent memory |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/20/nx-s1-5195597/heres-what-happened-in-gaza-after-biggest-looting-of-u-n-food-aid-in-recent-memory |access-date=15 June 2025 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref> in what NPR stated was the "biggest looting of UN aid anywhere, ever."<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |last=Batrawy |first=Aya |date=10 June 2025 |title=New Israeli-armed militia emerges in Gaza |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/06/10/nx-s1-5428180/new-israeli-armed-militia-emerges-in-gaza |work=NPR News |language=en}}</ref> A truck driver whose truck was ambushed by gang members said that they identified Yasser Abu Shabab as their boss. Another Gazan said that he attempted to buy flour from Abu Shabab's gang and saw the gang's gunmen guarding warehouses containing stolen food from the United Nations, and that the gunmen had threatened him with weapons.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Rasgon |first1=Adam |last2=Boxerman |first2=Aaron |date=23 December 2024 |title=Organized Looting Throws Gaza Deeper Into Chaos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/world/middleeast/gaza-looting.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":13" />

A United Nations official posted in Gaza described these activities as "tactical, systematic, criminal looting"<ref name=":17" /> and the work of a "crime syndicate".<ref name=":0" /> Sam Rose, deputy director of the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), stated that "Law and order have broken down in the area around the Kerem Shalom crossing, which remains the main entry point of goods, and gangs are filling the power vacuum".<ref name=":17" /> An aid worker stated that the looting had caused widespread hunger.<ref name=":19" /> ''The Economist'' reported that Abu Shabab's gang had killed several drivers during the lootings, and that stolen aid was either kept by the gang or sold at inflated prices.<ref name=":23" />

=== Connections to Israel === {{See also|Israel and state-sponsored terrorism}} UN officials said that the Israeli military had been instrumental in facilitating the looting. One official said "These guys are probably the only people in Gaza who can get 100 yards from an Israeli tank or Israeli soldiers without being shot".<ref name=":14" /> A diplomatic official told CNN that "The fact that [Abu Shabab] is not targeted by the Israelis is a clear indication of how they see him", and alleged that collaboration existed between Abu Shabab and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (which the GHF denied, and Abu Shabab declined to comment on).<ref name=":9" /><ref name="Guardian-20250610" /> Aid workers and locals stated that armed men were able to loot aid trucks "in plain sight" of the IDF.<ref name=":17" /> Jonathan Whittall, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territories stated that "theft of aid since the beginning of the war has been carried out by criminal gangs, under the watch of Israeli forces, and they were allowed to operate in proximity to the Kerem Shalom crossing point into Gaza." Whittall later clarified that he was referring to gangs "such as Abu Shabab".<ref name="Guardian-20250610" />

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General, stated that "The reports – the idea that the Israeli forces may be allowing looters or not doing enough to prevent [looting] is frankly fairly alarming, given the responsibilities of Israel as the occupying power to ensure that humanitarian aid is distributed safely".<ref name=":13" /> According to analysts, it is likely that Abu Shabab communicates with Israeli forces, "based on evidence of his movements in Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza", and his proximity to Israeli military positions.<ref name=":9" /> According to The Guardian, videos posted on Abu Shabab's Facebook account show his men operating with Israeli soldiers.<ref name="Guardian-20250610" />

In June 2025, Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beytenu party, alleged that Israel secretly supplies weapons to crime families in Gaza to make Hamas weaker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2025 |title=Did Israel covertly arm Gaza's ISIS-linked militia? |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/05/did-israel-covertly-arm-gazas-isis-linked-militia/ |website=Israel Hayom |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that Israel is arming anti-Hamas clans and elements in Gaza against Hamas.<ref name=":5" /> He stated, "On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. What's wrong with that? It's only good. It only saves the lives of IDF soldiers".<ref name=":11" /> Associated Press confirmed that one of the groups sponsored by Israel is the Popular Forces.<ref name=":18" /> Reportedly, Israel has supplied Abu Shabab's group with Kalashnikov rifles, some stolen from Hamas militants. The operation was approved by Netanyahu himself.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2025 |title=Israel arming ISIL affiliated gang to loot aid in Gaza |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/232740/Israel-arming-ISIL-affiliated-gang-to-loot-aid-in-Gaza |website=MEHR News Agency}}</ref> Speaking to ''The New York Times'', retired Brigadier General Shlomo Brom stated that in backing the Popular Forces, Israel is looking for "other solutions" to post-war governance of the Gaza Strip, besides Israel or the Palestinian Authority.<ref name=":16" /> However, ''The Economist'' disputed that Israel is tapping the Popular Forces as a post-war ruler of Gaza.<ref name=":23" /> Israeli support for the Popular Forces has caused controversy among Israeli opposition leaders.<ref name=":11" />

According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Shin Bet was allegedly responsible for the creation of the Popular Forces. Reportedly, chief of Shin Bet Ronen Bar proposed the group as an alternative to Hamas in small areas of Gaza during his talks with Benjamin Netanyahu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2025 |title=Israel's Experiment: Abu Shabab's Criminal Militia Targeted by Gaza Resistance |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israels-experiment-abu-shababs-criminal-militia-targeted-by-gaza-resistance/ |website=Palestine Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref> A security official told Ynet that Shin Bet armed the Popular Forces in a "planned and managed" manner, with the goal of "reducing Israeli military casualties while systematically undermining Hamas through targeted strikes, infrastructure destruction and the promotion of rival local forces".<ref name=":1" />

In a statement, the family of Abu Shabab stated that they "were surprised by video footage broadcast by the resistance showing the involvement of Yasser's groups within a dangerous security framework, reaching the point of operating within undercover units and supporting the Zionist occupation forces, who are brutally killing our people".<ref name=":1" /> The family announced its "complete disassociation" with Abu Shabab,<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":23" /> and that it held no objections to Abu Shabab being "eliminated".<ref name="Guardian-20250610" /> Abu Shabab responded to their statements, saying that they were "fabricated and false" and that they are a part of a "media campaign" targeting him and his "colleagues".<ref name=":9" /> Hamas stated that Abu Shabab is "a tool used by the Israeli occupation to fragment the Palestinian internal front", and pledged to oppose him.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |date=26 May 2025 |title=Hamas-led groups execute four for looting aid trucks amid some Gaza dissent |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-led-groups-execute-four-looting-aid-trucks-amid-some-gaza-dissent-2025-05-26/ |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> Abu Shabab acknowledged collaboration with Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yohanan |first=Nurit |date=6 July 2025 |title=Leader of militia in Gaza fighting Hamas confirms cooperating with IDF |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/leader-of-militia-in-gaza-fighting-hamas-admits-cooperating-with-idf/ |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":20" />

In May and June 2025, in what ''The New York Times'' and NPR described as a rebranding, Abu Shabab announced that his group was securing aid into the Gaza Strip, protecting routes to US and Israeli aid sites administered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":19" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":5" /> Despite this, spokesperson of GHF said that the organization had "no collaboration" with Abu Shabab. He said that all GHF workers were unarmed and none belong to Abu Shabab's group.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 June 2025 |title=Israel backs anti-Hamas armed group known for looting aid in Gaza. Here's what we know |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/israel-backs-anti-hamas-armed-group-known-for-looting-aid-in-gaza-heres-what-we-know/articleshow/121696586.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> In an interview with CNN, truck drivers said that Abu Shabab provided 200 armed men to protect their convoys.<ref name=":9" /> In social media posts, Abu Shabab claimed responsibility for safeguarding aid trucks, and organizing and directing aid convoys. UN humanitarian agency OCHA stated that "it did not pay anyone" to guard aid trucks entering Gaza.<ref name=":22" /> In June 2025, Abu Shabab released videos calling on citizens of Rafah to return, promising them food, shelter, and protection in makeshift camps which were built under the watch of IDF.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2025 |title=Militia leader calls for East Rafah residents to come under his protection |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/palestinian-territories/artc-militia-leader-calls-for-east-rafah-residents-to-come-under-his-protection |website=i24NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

On 6 July 2025, Abu Shabab, in an interview with Radio Makan, stated that the Popular Forces will continue to fight Hamas even if a ceasefire is archived. The interview was conducted hours after the Palestinian Joint Operations Room said that his blood was "permitted", calling for his assassination. Abu Shabab said that Hamas is in the "final stages" before its elimination and that its "fighting its last battles". He also said that Popular Forces are able to "operate freely" in areas under Israeli control and indicated "coordination" with IDF.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kleiman |first=Shachar |date=6 July 2025 |title=Anti-Hamas militia leader: 'We will fight Hamas even if a ceasefire is reached' |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/06/anti-hamas-militia-leader-we-will-fight-hamas-even-if-a-ceasefire-is-reached/ |website=Israel Hayom |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2025 |title=Yasser Abu Shabab Emerges as potential player in post-war Gaza |url=https://www.thearabweekly.com/yasser-abu-shabab-emerges-potential-player-post-war-gaza |website=The Arab Weekly}}</ref> Abu Shabab said that the Popular Forces would rule the Gaza Strip after Hamas was overthrown, and that his group was not in conflict with the Palestinian Authority. Abu Shabab also said that October 7 attacks were a "crime" and that they caused the "Palestinian suffering".<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2025 |title=Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab: 'No stopping civil war' against Hamas |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-860223 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref>

=== Allegations of connections to the Islamic State === Popular Forces have been accused of having connections to the Islamic State by Israeli politicians,<ref name=":4" /> Hamas members, and Western observers.<ref name=":20" />

Israeli support for the Popular Forces has caused controversy among Israeli opposition politicians and leaders, some whom have described the move as "complete madness", due to the Popular Forces' alleged connections with IS. Former defense minister and Netanyahu rival Avigdor Libermann said, "We're talking about the equivalent of ISIS in Gaza" and that "No one can guarantee that these weapons will not be directed towards Israel".<ref name=":4" /> ''The Guardian'' noted that the basis of Avigdor Libermann's assertions of the Popular Forces' ties to IS were not clear.<ref name=":1" /> Yesh Atid party member and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid declared on social media, "After Netanyahu finished handing over millions of dollars to Hamas, he moved on to supplying weapons to groups in Gaza affiliated with ISIS – all improvised, with no strategic planning, and all leading to more disasters." Yair Golan of The Democrats party said that Netanyahu "is creating a new ticking bomb in Gaza".<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2025 |title=Israel confirms it is arming Hamas rivals in operation opposition calls 'complete madness' |url=https://www.9news.com.au/world/israel-hamas-conflict-updates-israel-confirms-it-is-arming-hamas-rivals-in-operation-opposition-calls-complete-madness/b4743554-0e27-42ad-b1c8-80181c45e3e7 |access-date=10 June 2025 |website=www.9news.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

Hamas Political Bureau member and spokesman Basem Naim told ''Newsweek'' that the Popular Forces has connections to ISIS, and that it is a group of "agents, drug dealers, thieves, and extremists linked to IS". The European Council on Foreign Relations think tank stated that Abu Shabab's clan, from which most Popular Forces fighters are drawn from, is connected to IS.<ref name=":20" /> One of the group's commanders was reported to be 33-year-old Issam Nabahin, who previously fought on the side of IS during the Sinai insurgency. Reportedly, he was sentenced to death for his crimes in 2023 but managed to escape the prison before his execution.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halabi |first=Einav |date=8 June 2025 |title=Inside the Gaza militia armed by Israel: A history of terror, ISIS ties and attacks on IDF |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1skwx7xgx |website=Ynet News}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=June 2025}} Another prominent group member, Ghassan Duhine, allegedly pledged allegiance to IS in 2015 and participated in the 2007 kidnapping of BBC News journalist Alan Johnston.<ref name=":20" /> An unnamed Israeli security official told ''The i Paper'' that the group had close ties to "ISIS affiliates across the border in Egypt".<ref name=":24" /> Accusations of links to IS stem from Abu Shabab's cooperation with Egyptian Jihadist groups in smuggling drugs from Egypt into the Gaza Strip.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 June 2025 |title=Inside the Hamas unit fighting Israeli-armed gangs that loot aid and facilitate displacement in Gaza |url=https://mondoweiss.net/2025/06/inside-the-hamas-unit-fighting-israeli-armed-gangs-that-loot-aid-and-facilitate-displacement-in-gaza/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607201722/https://mondoweiss.net/2025/06/inside-the-hamas-unit-fighting-israeli-armed-gangs-that-loot-aid-and-facilitate-displacement-in-gaza/ |archive-date=7 June 2025 |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=Mondoweiss |language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2025, Abu Shabab gave an interview to the Israeli Army Radio in which he denied has denied having any connections to both ISIS and Israel.<ref name=":25" /> There is no evidence that Abu Shabab has formally sworn allegiance to ISIS.<ref name=":23" />

Several high-ranking members of the Popular Forces had previously worked together with or joined the Islamic State. These include Issam Nabahin and Ghassan Duhine, who were members of IS' Sinai Province and the IS-affiliated Army of Islam, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uddin |first=Rayhan |date=12 June 2025 |title='Popular Forces': Who are the Gaza gangsters being armed by Israel? |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/popular-forces-who-are-gangsters-being-armed-israel |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref> One prominent Popular Army – Northern Forces lieutenant, Abu Anas Zeidan, is reportedly a former Salafi jihadist who was part of the Islamic State before joining al-Mansi's group.<ref name="Adler" />

Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, writing for ''Middle East Forum'', disputed the allegations that the Popular Forces is linked to IS. He argues that the group's use of the Palestinian flag in their logo and uniforms would be unacceptable to the pan-islamist IS, even as a disguise, and that collaboration with Israel would constitute apostasy from Islam from IS perspective. While al-Tamini concedes that some members of the group may have a Salafi background, he states this is far removed from the notion of an IS-Israeli collaboration against Hamas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Tamimi |first=Aymenn Jawad |date=9 June 2025 |title='ISIS-Affiliated Gangs' in Gaza? |url=https://www.meforum.org/mef-online/isis-affiliated-gangs-in-gaza |website=Middle East Forum}}</ref> === Allegations of connections to the United Arab Emirates === In October 2025, Sky News reported that the Popular Forces had been smuggling vehicles from an Israeli bedouin car dealer who smuggles vehicles into the Gaza Strip. Senior commander of Popular Forces Ghassan Duhine has been photographed next to a white Isuzu with a "UAE" written on the edge of a license plate. According to Sky News, the logo and name of the Popular Forces' military wing, the Counter-Terrorism Service, is identical to a similar group called the Counter-Terrorism Service in Yemen that has allegedly received Emirati support.<ref name=sky>{{Cite web |last1=van der Merwe |first1=Ben |last2=Doak |first2=Sam |last3=Alkhaldi |first3=Celine |title=Revealed: The plan for a 'New Gaza' - and the four militias Israel is backing to defeat Hamas |url=https://news.sky.com/story/revealed-the-plan-for-a-new-gaza-and-the-four-militias-israel-is-backing-to-defeat-hamas-13456416 |access-date=2025-10-30 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref> In response, the Emirati government stated "The United Arab Emirates categorically rejects and refutes these baseless allegations" and "These claims are entirely unfounded and misrepresent the UAE's policies and actions."<ref name="SN-20251004">{{cite web |last1=van der Merwe |first1=Ben |last2=Doak |first2=Sam |title=Guns, cash and American aid: Investigation reveals Israel's support for Gaza militia |url=https://news.sky.com/story/guns-cash-and-american-aid-investigation-reveals-israels-support-for-gaza-militia-13442260 |work=Sky News |date=4 October 2025 |access-date=3 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=sky />

== Allied groups== === Ashraf al-Mansi group === {{Main|People's Army Northern Forces}}

A northern Gaza militia, which has been referred to by the names "The People's Army – Forces of Northern Gaza"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dowling |first=M. |date=2025-10-15 |title=Militias in Gaza & Trump's Stern Warning to Hamas |url=https://www.independentsentinel.com/militias-in-gaza-trumps-stern-warning-to-hamas/ |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=Independent Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> or "People's Army Northern Forces"<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2025 |title=Gaza Militia 'People's Army Northern Forces' Holds Parade Amid Fighting With Hamas |url=https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/liveblogs/live-blog/2456616/gaza-militia-peoples-army-northern-forces-holds-parade-amid-fighting-with-hamas.html |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=Yeshiva World News |language=en-US}}</ref> is reportedly operating in Beit Lahia and Jabalia as part of the Popular Forces.<ref name=":5" /> The militia is led by the Gaza City resident Ashraf al-Mansi. Following the 10 October ceasefire, Hamas forces redeployed in Jabalia and its refugee camp, where they reportedly launched a crackdown on the al-Mansi group, arresting and killing its members.<ref name="The Times of Israel"/> However, on 14 October, al-Mansi released a video where he denied that a Hamas crackdown had taken place, announced that his group managed to take control of several areas in northern Gaza, and warned Hamas forces against approaching their territories.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yohanan |first=Nurit |date=2025-10-14 |title=Militia commander in northern Gaza: We have taken control of areas, call on Hamas to stay away |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/militia-commander-in-northern-gaza-we-have-taken-control-of-areas-call-on-hamas-to-stay-away/ |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

=== Free Homeland Forces === {{Main|Free Homeland Forces}}

Shawqi Abu Nasira, a former Palestinian Authority lieutenant colonel and Fatah member,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=Shawqi Abu Nasira |url=https://ecfr.eu/special/mapping_palestinian_politics/shawqi-abu-nasira/ |access-date=2025-12-01 |website=European Council on Foreign Relations |language=en-GB}}</ref> leads an anti-Hamas militia based in eastern Khan Yunis. While the existence of the group was only revealed in late November 2025, it had reportedly already been active for several months. Abu Nasira has stated that his group is not collaborating with Israel, and has stated that Iran, which supports Hamas, is the enemy "of Islam and Sunnis". The rest of the Abu Nasira family has disavowed him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-23 |title=New Gaza militia forms under Shawqi Abu Nasira |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-874925 |access-date=2025-12-01 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en}}</ref> During the 1980s, Abu Nasira was reportedly imprisoned by Israel for militant activity, and briefly escaped from prison. Following his release and the implementation of the Oslo Accords, he joined the nascent Palestinian Authority security forces. Abu Nasira's son was reportedly killed during the Gaza war due to his opposition to Hamas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-23 |title=Anti-Hamas militia emerges in Khan Younis, Gaza |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/23/anti-hamas-militia-khan-younis-gaza/ |access-date=2025-12-01 |website=Israel Hayom |language=en-US}}</ref>

In April 2026, the Free Homeland Forces raided the Maghazi refugee camp near Deir al-Balah in Gaza searching for Hamas fighters while the Israeli military provided air support. The militia killed at least ten people and wounded many more.<ref>Drop Site News, 7 Apr. 2026 [https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/israel-abu-nasira-militia-attack-maghazi-camp-gaza "Israeli-Backed Militia Launches Deadly Attack on Gaza Refugee Camp Under Cover of Airstrikes"]</ref>

=== Others === On 20 December 2025, the Popular Forces' armed wing, Counter-Terrorism Service, announced a military exercise called "Ensuring the Commander-1" which was aimed to test the CTS' readiness in emergency situations and review coordination among its ranks. During the exercise, the Popular Forces' leader, Ghassan Duhine, revealed the existence of another militia operating in western Rafah, known as the Popular Defense Forces – Khalil al-Wazir Battalion.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web |title=Spotlight on Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (December 16-23, 2025)|url=https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/spotlight-on-terrorism-and-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-december-16-23-2025/}}</ref>

== Combat operations and clashes with Hamas == {{Main|Hamas–Popular Forces conflict}}

The Popular Forces began clashing with Hamas in May 2024, during the Rafah offensive.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last1=Fabian|first1=Emanuel|last2=Yohanan|first2=Nurit|last3=Freiberg|first3=Nava|date=June 5, 2025|title=Israel providing guns to Gaza gang to bolster opposition to Hamas|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-providing-guns-to-gaza-jihadist-gang-to-bolster-opposition-to-hamas/|access-date=|website=The Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</ref> This was followed by a string of armed operations and clashes which included the Kerem Shalom aid convoy looting of November 2024<ref name=":27"/> and the 2025 Gaza Strip aid distribution killings.<ref name="AP-20250609" /> Hamas attacks against the Popular Forces include a retaliatory raid against the Kerem Shalom looters in November 2024,<ref name=":122">{{Cite news |last=Ibrahim|first=Sally|date=19 November 2024|title=Gaza: Hamas security kill aid looters 'linked to Israel, ISIS'|url=https://www.newarab.com/news/gaza-hamas-security-kill-aid-looters-linked-israel-isis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504083128/https://www.newarab.com/news/gaza-hamas-security-kill-aid-looters-linked-israel-isis|archive-date=2025-05-04|access-date=2025-05-19|work=The New Arab|language=en-EN|url-status=live}}</ref> the brief capture of Issam Nabahin in June 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2025|title=Hamas arrests a prominent leader of the Abu Shabab group|url=https://almashhadalaraby.com/news/512789|access-date=|website=Almash Hadal Araby|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2025|title=Reports indicate that Yasser Abu Shabab's right-hand man has been arrested in Gaza. He is accused of espionage and murder.|url=https://arabi21.com/story/1686858/%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85%D9%86%D9%89-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88-%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%B3%D8%B3-%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%85-%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%84|access-date=|website=Arabi 21|language=ar}}</ref> and an assault on a GHF bus allegedly transporting Popular Forces militants that same month.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hamas says it killed 12 Israeli-backed fighters. Israeli-supported group says they were aid workers|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/hamas-says-it-killed-12-israeli-backed-fighters-israeli-supported-group-says-they-were-aid-workers|website=PBS News|date=2025-06-12|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Hamas has also carried out executions of multiple Popular Forces members.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2025|title=משטרת חמאס הורגת חמישה פלסטינים שהואשמו בשיתוף פעולה עם ישראל בעזה|trans-title=Hamas police kill five Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel in Gaza|url=https://aurora-israel.co.il/iw/משטרת-חמאס-רוצחת-חמישה-בני-אדם-שהואשמו-בשיתוף-פעולה-עם-ישראל-בעזה/|access-date=4 June 2025|website=Aurora|language=he}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2025|title=حماس تعدم عناصر من جماعة "ياسر أبو شباب"|url=https://almashhadalaraby.com/news/520318|access-date=2025-07-28|website=المشهد العربي|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hamas-led authorities execute alleged collaborators in Gaza, official says|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/hamas-led-authorities-execute-alleged-collaborators-gaza-official-says-2025-09-22/|website=Reuters|date=22 September 2025|last=Al-Mughrabi|first=Nidal|access-date=23 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi|first=Einav|date=2025-09-29|title=In Gaza City they claim Israel is trying to recruit clan leaders: 'Death is better than disgrace'|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hy1wsaw3ee|access-date=2025-10-03|work=Ynetglobal|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Halabi|first=Einav|date=2025-10-13|title=Hours after hostage release, Hamas terrorists publicly execute militia members in Gaza|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hjrx3hcale|access-date=2025-10-13|work=Ynetglobal|language=en}}</ref>

On 7 January 2026, the Popular Forces reported that it killed two Hamas operatives during an operation in Rafah in southern Gaza.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last= |date=2026-01-07 |title=Gazan militia says it killed two Hamas operatives in Rafah raid |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gazan-militia-says-it-killed-two-hamas-operatives-in-rafah-raid/ |access-date=2026-01-08 |work=The Times of Israel |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref> The group stated that the two men were killed after refusing to surrender, and that a third individual was detained during the same raid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=نيوز |first=إرم |title=مقتل عنصرين من حماس على يد ميليشيا تدعمها إسرائيل في غزة |url=https://www.eremnews.com/news/arab-world/ug99lnn |access-date=2026-01-08 |website=إرم نيوز |language=ar}}</ref> The incident was reported amid broader coverage of armed activity involving Israel-aligned local groups in Gaza, separate from direct Israeli military operations.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 January 2026|title= Israel-backed militia kill two Hamas operatives in Gaza, militia says|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-backed-militia-kill-two-hamas-operatives-gaza-militia-says-2026-01-07/|work=Reuters|access-date=29 March 2026}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

== Administration within the Gaza Strip == {{main article|Popular Forces administration in the Gaza Strip}}

The Popular Forces, along with the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, have administered parts of the Gaza Strip occupied by the IDF where 2,000 Palestinian civilians live in. This is the first time since 2007 where parties other then Hamas has taken over the role of governing.

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{reflist}}

==External links== *[https://www.facebook.com/popularforces1 Yasser Abu Shabab - Popular Forces] *[https://x.com/abochbab41a Yasser Abu Shabab]

==Further reading== <ref name="s466">{{cite web | title=Who are the Israel-backed armed groups fighting Hamas in Gaza? | website=ACLED | date=2026-04-27 | url=https://acleddata.com/report/who-are-israel-backed-armed-groups-fighting-hamas-gaza | access-date=2026-05-04}}</ref>

Category:Paramilitary organizations based in Palestine Category:Gangs in Asia Category:Gaza–Israel conflict Category:2024 establishments in Palestine Category:Rebel groups that actively control territory Category:Arab supporters of Israel Category:Military units and formations established in 2024