| Hamas–Popular Forces conflict | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part ofPalestinian internal political violence andSocietal breakdown in the Gaza Strip during theGaza war | |||||||||
 Popular Forces influence in the Gaza Strip | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Popular Forces administrationCounter-Terrorism Strike Force administrationShuja'iyya Popular Defense Forces administration Israel |  Hamas-led government Abu Suneima family[1] | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Popular Forces:Yasser Abu Shabab XGhassan Duhine[6]Issam NabahinHassan Abu Shabab Ahmad Zidan Al-Tarabeen  [7]Khaled Abu Sanida[8]PANF: Ashraf al-MansiAbu Anas Zeidan[9]FHF: Shawqi Abu NasiraCTSF: Husam al-AstalSPDF: Rami Hilles Ahmed Jundeya | Hamas:Khalil al-HayyaIzz al-Din al-Haddad Ahmed Zamzam XAdham Atallah al-Akar (POW) | ||||||||
| Units involved | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 70+ militants killed[a] | ~16 policemen and fighters killed | ||||||||
| 15 Palestinian civilians killed | |||||||||
|
Foreign relations |
TheHamas–Popular Forces conflict is an ongoingcivil conflict in theGaza Strip that began in May 2024. It involves clashes between theHamas-led government in Gaza and thePopular Forces, a Palestinian militia backed byIsrael and allegedlylinked to theIslamic State (IS).
The Popular Forces is aPalestiniananti-Hamas armed group active in the Gaza Strip and led byYasser Abu Shabab.[21] The Popular Forces are Israeli-backed and allegedly IS-linked.[22][23][24][20]
The group, which has been described as agang ormilitia,[25] is made up of approximately 300 men who operate in easternRafah[26][25] and easternKhan Yunis.[3] A semi-independent militia in the northern Gaza Strip, led byAshraf al-Mansi, also reportedly operates as part of the Popular Forces.[27] Israeli support for the Popular Forces was only revealed in June 2025, but the group has been active since the beginning of theRafah offensive in May 2024.[28]
Husam al-Astal, leader of theCounter-Terrorism Strike Force, an Israeli-backed militant group in the Gaza Strip, claims the support of a variety of other anti-Hamas Gazan militias including thePopular Forces, thePopular Army – Northern Forces and thePopular Defense Forces to work towards "Project New Gaza".[29][30]
The start of Israel's Rafah offensive in May 2024 marked the beginning of Popular Forces activity.[28]
The Popular Forces launched an attack on a Hamas facility located inside the Khan Yunis University College of Applied Sciences. This is the Popular Forces' first notable attack.[31]
In September 2024, Hamas attempted to ambush and assassinate Abu Shabab by firing approximately 90 bullets at a vehicle they thought belonged to him. The vehicle actually belonged to Islam Hijazi, a female aid worker of charity organization namedHeal Palestine, she was mistakenly killed in this incident.[32]
On 16 November 2024, Israeli-backed Popular Forcesraided a convoy of 109United Nations aid trucks and looted 98 of them. The raid occurred near Israeli military installations at theKerem Shalom border crossing in the Gaza Strip.[25] The perpetrators, who according to a UN memo may have had "protection" from the IDF, threw grenades and held truck drivers at gunpoint, forcing them to unload their aid. The incident further exacerbated theGaza humanitarian crisis caused by the war.[33][34][35] The incident has been described by the UNRWA as "one of the worst" incidents of its kind.[36]
On 18 November, a Hamas security unit reported they carried out a "military operation" against the looters inKhan Yunis and Rafah, killing at least 20 of the perpetrators.[19] Abu Shabab was not in the area at the time, but his brother was killed.[20]
In January, Hamas executed one of Abu Shabab's senior aides.[37]
On the afternoon of 13 April, 2025, a group of Popular Forces members were ambushed by Hamas fighters in southern Rafah, while searching a property south of their camp, during which four of their fighters were killed.[38]
By the following morning of April 14, satellite imagery showed that the house at the site of the ambush was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike.[38]
In May 2025, the Popular Forces were reported to be securing aid convoys, including vehicles of the United Nations and the Red Cross. Hamas accused Abu Shabab of being a collaborator with Israel, claiming his group operated behind earthberms securing humanitarian entry routes under an American humanitarian aid initiative. According to reports, his forces were escorting convoys from the Kerem Shalom crossing, armed withAK-47 rifles allegedly provided by theIsrael Defense Forces (IDF).[39][40][41] On 30 May, Hamas published a video which it claimed showed its members targeting undercover IDF soldiers with an IED. Per some Palestinian media reports, the men belonged to the Popular Forces.[42]
On 5 June, Israel revealed it has been backing the Popular Forces. The Israeli opposition legislatorAvigdor Lieberman alleged that the Popular Forces is affiliated with IS.[25][43] In a video published by the militia, Abu Shabab claimed his group wasin control of eastern Rafah after expelling Hamas forces.
On June 9, 2025, Popular Forces gunmen together with the IDF were accused ofopening fire at a crowd of Palestinians that were walking to an Israel-US supported aid distribution centre run by theGaza Humanitarian Foundation, killing approximately 6 people.[14] Other sources said that the gunfire killed 14 Palestinians and injured about 100 people. TheAssociated Press reported that Popular Forces opened fire at a group of men who tried to organize a crowd, causing nearby people to "push forward". One eyewitness said that it "was an ambush", adding: "The Israelis from one side andAbu Shabab from another". This incident was part of a broader series of shootings of Palestinians, which killed approximately 127 people.[44][45] That same day, Hamas forces ambushed a car transportingIssam Nabahin, capturing him. Nabahin is one of the three Popular Forces commanders, after his capture, Hamas charged him with espionage and murder.[46][47]
An eyewitness said that on 9 June, the Popular Forces, while in a clash with Hamas fighters, had received air support. He also said that the clashes had continued for an hour and 30 minutes or more hours before the Israeli Air Force intervened and targeted the area, including the area where the witness was.[48]
Sometime during the second week of June, four Hamas fighters were killed in "the first [publicly admitted] Israeli strike on Gaza whose sole objective was to assist the Abu Shabab militia".[49]
On June 10, Popular Forces ambushed a special law enforcement and internal security unit, named the "Arrow Unit", which specializes in executing collaborators with Israel. Popular Forces claimed to have killed 5 Arrow Unit members using anti-aircraft launchers.[50][51] On June 11, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reported that a bus transporting its employees was ambushed by Hamas, killing approximately 5 aid workers, leaving others wounded or possibly taken hostage. Hamas would later accuse the victims of the attack of being members of Abu Shabab's militia.[52] That same day, Popular Forces ambushed and killed 6 officers of the Arrow Unit,[53][18] and the Popular Forces reported that at least 50 of their militants were killed across armed clashes between them and Hamas.[18][49] Also on that day, an Israeli drone bombedIssam Nabahin's detention cell and his fate was reported to be "unclear". Then, on 18 June, he posted a video on Facebook confirming he was alive and he stated that he was heading to southern Gaza.[11]
Reuters reported that as of 27 June the group was in control of eastern Rafah and has freedom of movement in the wider Rafah area.[2] Later that day, the Popular Forces seized control of theNasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after a gunbattle with Hamas forces.[54]
On 2 July, the Hamas-run Ministry of the Interior published a statement ordering the Popular Forces militia leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, to turn himself in and facetrial on several charges including charges oftreason andcollaborating with hostile entities. The order warned that if Shabab did not surrender within 10 days, he would be considered afugitive andtried in absentia. Popular forces responded in a statement questioning the legitimacy of the court and describing the order as "a sitcom that doesn't frighten us, nor does it frighten any free man with dignity who loves his homeland and its dignity".[55]
On 5 July, thePalestinian Joint Operations Room accused Yasser Abu Shabab of "operating to protect the occupation's interests".[15]
On 6 July, Abu Shabab admitted that the Popular Forces had Israeli backing, a month after Israel first revealed it was supporting the group.[56]
On 27 July, a new Gaza Interior Ministry-affiliated unit, the "Rad'a Force", executed six Popular Forces militants in Khan Yunis. The Popular Forces denied any of its members had been attacked.[57][58]
By August, Issam Nabahin posted another video on Facebook in a room with a PKM machine gun, stating that he was back inPopular Forces-controlled easternRafah after escaping Hamas custody.[11]
On 21 September, a Palestinian official said that Hamas-led authorities have executed three men who allegedly had ties with Abu Shabab after they were accused of collaborating with Israel.[59] The execution took place on a street outside ofAl-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.[60]
On 28 September, a Popular Forces operative was executed by Hamas forces.[61]
Followingthe ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on 10 October, Hamas forces began killing and arresting members of rival armed groups, including the Popular Forces, throughout the territory.[62] Hamas forces redeployed inJabalia andits refugee camp, where they reportedly launched a violent crackdown onthe local militia led by Ashraf al-Mansi, which reportedly operates as part of the Popular Forces.[27]
On 10 October, Hamas executed multiple individuals of theDoghmush clan, who were affiliated to the Popular Forces, on Omar al-Mukhtar Street in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City. This led toviolent clashes and confrontations between security forces of theHamas-led government and Doghmush clansmen.[63] The violence didn't die down until mid-to-late October, by which point the elders of the clan had dissociated itself with members of the clan who were involved in the clashes.[64]
On 13 October, Hamas forces publicly executed Ahmad Zidan al-Tarabin, reportedly responsible for recruiting agents for the Popular Forces.[7]
On 14 October, the al-Mansi group 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.[5]
On 21 October, the Rad'a Force reportedly arrested a number of Popular Forces militants and confiscated equipment in an operation described as "a severe blow" to the group.[65]
On 26 November, Abu Shabab said that four Hamas militants surrendered to his men in Rafah. He also published a video in which one of the militants admit involvements in Hamas activities. A local Gaza channel said that the militants were handed over to the IDF.[66]
In November 2025, a female doctor named Tasneem al-Hams stated that in October 2025, she was abducted by members of the Popular Forces in Khan Yunis before she was handed over to Israeli forces and transferred toAshkelon. Al-Hams was later released in Khan Yunis on 27 November.[67]
In November 2025, an anti-Hamas group (Free Homeland Forces[68] orPopular Army in Rafah[69]) led byShawqi Abu Nasira was revealed to be active in Eastern Khan Yunis, Abu Nasira was rejected by his family for allegedly collaborating with the Popular Forces.[70][71]
On 4 December 2025, the commander of the Popular Forces' military-wing,Ghassan Duhine, reportedly detained Juma Abu Suneima, who one of their members, on the suspicion of diverting food supplies toHamas militants.[72][73] Juma’s brother, Mahmoud Abu Suneima, who was responsible for overseeing the distribution of food to the Popular Forces demanded his release.[74][73] Mahmoud later went to Abu Shabab’s residence to demand Juma’s release. The confrontation escalated into armed violence, during which Mahmoud opened fire. Abu Shabab was critically wounded during the encounter.[75] The attacker allegedly chanted pro-Hamas slogans.[74] Leader of the Popular Forces,Yasser Abu Shabab, succumbed to his wounds while being transported to theSoroka Medical Center in southern Israel; the hospital has denied that he died under their care.[76][77]
Deputy commander of the Popular Forces, who was also the group's main military leader, Ghassan Duhine, was alsowounded in action.[78][77][79] Following Yasser Abu Shabab's death, Ghassan Duhine proclaimed himself the new leader of the Popular Forces.[80] Duhine received medical treatment inIsrael before returning to oversee a series of executions. Those killed reportedly included Abu Shabab’s bodyguards, who were accused of failing to intervene, as well as the gunman, his detained brother, and several others. Duhine also allegedly ordered attacks on homes belonging to the Abu Suneima family, during which several residents were wounded, mobile phones were confiscated, women were assaulted, and families were placed under lockdown.[81]
On 7 December, Ghassan Duhine announced the execution of two of Hamas' members, claiming they had killed a Popular Forces member.[82]
On 14 December, the Popular Forces claimed responsibility for the assassination of 49-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Zamzam, who was a key member in Gaza's Internal Security Apparatus. Zamzam was gunned down by armed men in theAl-Maghazi refugee camp, with one of the men being arrested. TheGaza Interior Ministry-affiliatedRad'a force claimed the Zamzam had been killed by "Israeli-supported" mercenaries under direct guidance from Israel’sShin Bet.[83]
TheCounter-Terrorism Service (the Popular Forces' armed wing), on 20 December 2025 announced a military exercise called "Ensuring the Commander-1" (Ahd al-Qa’ed-1). The exercise lasted three days and aimed to test the CTS' readiness in emergency situations and review coordination among its ranks. The Chief of Staff of the Counter Terrorism Service, Khalid Abu Sneida, was also present during the exercise. During the operation, the Popular Forces' leader,Ghassan Duhine, revealed the existence of another militia operating in western Rafah, known as thePopular Defense Forces – Khalil al-Wazir Battalion.[84]
The special unit of theGaza police known as the Sahm 103 unit orArrow Unit, which specializes in targeting collaborators with Israel, said on its Telegram channel that it detained Abu Nasira’s wife on 22 December 2025, and also said that it detained Abu Nasira's son.[85]
Abu Nasira accused Hamas of having raided his house, abducted his wife and also stealing money, a gas canister and some solar panels. "I don’t know if this is a rule of law or of larceny" Abu Nasira said in an interview on 23 December 2025 with Jusoor News. TheSahm/Arrow unit claimed that Abu Nasira’s family members had 700,000 Israeli shekels ($220,000 at the time) in their possession.[85]
On 4 January 2026, gunmen affiliated with theShuja'iyya Popular Defense Forces (which collaborates with the Popular Forces and is led byRami Hilles)[86] moved into the Sanafour Junction in Al-Tuffah. As the gunmen entered Al-Tuffah, they were met with gunfire from Hamas and allied gunmen. The shootout lasted around 20 minutes and left 2 Hamas militants, before the SPDF retreated into theIsraeli-controlled side of the "Yellow Line".[87]
On 7 January 2026, the Popular Forces reported that it killed twoHamas operatives during an operation inRafah in southernGaza.[88] The group stated that the two men were killed after refusing to surrender, and that a third individual was detained during the same raid.[89][90][88] The incident was reported amid broader coverage of armed activity involving Israel-aligned local groups in Gaza, separate from direct Israeli military operations.[91][92]
In January 2026, theCounter-Terrorism Strike Force claimed responsibility for the assassination of 40-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Mahmoud Al-Astal, the head of investigations and the criminal police unit of theGaza police in Khan Yunis.[93][94] The killing was reported amid ongoing internal instability in Gaza despite a ceasefire and followed earlier operations attributed to Israel-aligned local groups operating independently of direct Israeli military involvement.[93]
On 31 January 2026, the Popular Forces announced they had captured an Al-Qassam Brigade commander. The captive was identified asAdham Atallah al-Akar.[95]
{{cite web}}:External link in|title=