Yasir Abu Shabab, the leader of the Palestinian group "Popular Forces," which opposes Hamas, has been killed in the Gaza Strip. According to a statement from the Popular Forces, Abu Shabab was shot while trying to mediate a conflict between members of the Abu Saneima family. The group denied claims that he was killed by Hamas, which had accused him of collaborating with Israel, as reported by the BBC.
Some sources suggest that Abu Shabab's death may be linked to internal power struggles between various Palestinian factions.
In response to the killing of their leader, Hamas declared that "the fate that befell" Abu Shabab was "inevitable for all those who betray their people, their homeland, and agree to become tools in the hands of the occupiers." However, Hamas did not take responsibility for the incident.
Israeli Army Radio, citing security sources, reported that Abu Shabab died from his injuries after being evacuated to the Israeli "Soroka" hospital in Beersheba. However, the hospital has denied these claims.
In its statement, the Popular Forces vowed to continue Abu Shabab’s cause "until the last terrorist is eliminated from the land of Gaza, and a bright and secure future is built for the people who believe in peace."
Israel arming Hamas' rivals in Gaza
In June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is arming Palestinian clans in Gaza that are opposed to Hamas. Prior to this, Israeli media had reported that the Israeli government had ordered the shipment of weapons to the Popular Forces. However, the group denied these claims, calling them false.
The Popular Forces have been accused of looting trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza during the war, but they have also denied these allegations.
Reports suggest that Abu Shabab had been attempting to secure a role in implementing a peace plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Following the ceasefire, which has been in place for about eight weeks, other leaders of Palestinian groups opposing Hamas also laid claim to this position.
As part of the peace plan, a temporary government was supposed to be established in Gaza, with the potential deployment of international stabilization forces. The plan also envisaged the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarmament of Hamas.
