Leader of anti-Hamas group admits working with 'Israeli' military in Gaza

In a rare public admission, the leader of a Palestinian group called the Popular Forces opposed to Hamas has confirmed that his group is coordinating with 'Israeli' forces in Gaza.

Yasser Abu Shabab, head of the faction, told 'Israel’s' Arabic-language broadcaster Makan that his fighters inform the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) ahead of their movements inside areas under 'Israeli' control.

“We keep them informed, but we carry out the military actions on our own,” he said.

Read more: Palestinian resistance brands Yasser Abu Shabab traitor

While Abu Shabab did not name 'Israel' directly, he acknowledged receiving “logistical and financial support from several parties,” adding, “There are things we can’t talk about publicly.”

The remarks come weeks after 'Israeli' authorities admitted to backing certain Palestinian factions fighting Hamas in Gaza, without specifying which groups. However, 'Israeli' media widely identified the Popular Forces as one of the recipients of such support. At the time, 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the policy, saying, “It is only good, it is saving lives of Israeli soldiers.”

Others in 'Israel' were less supportive. Former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed the move, accusing the government of “giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons.”

Critics say Abu Shabab’s fighters have also been involved in looting humanitarian aid. The European Council on Foreign Relations described the Popular Forces as a criminal network operating in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Abu Shabab did not respond to those allegations in the radio interview, instead insisting that his group’s sole focus is bringing down Hamas and replacing its rule.

“We do not belong to any ideology or political organization,” he said, vowing to end what he called Hamas’s “injustice” and “corruption.” He added, “We will continue to fight, no matter the bloodshed. Right now, Hamas is dying. They know their end is near.”

The Joint Operations Room of Palestinian resistance factions issued a strong condemnation of Yasser Abu Shabab and his group, accusing them of treason and direct collaboration with the Israeli Occupation Forces.

The statement came after Hebrew media cited an interview with Abu Shabab in which he allegedly openly admitted, “We cooperate with the Israeli army,” and declared his goal to “eradicate Hamas,” vowing to continue fighting even if a ceasefire is reached. He also claimed that “Hamas is struggling and is in its final stages.”

The resistance factions described Abu Shabab’s group as “tools in the hands of the occupier” and “stripped of national identity.” They warned that the blood of these traitors is legitimate and pledged to deal with them harshly, cautioning others who follow their path that they “will end up like their predecessors in the dustbins of history.”

The statement also praised Palestinian clans and families in Gaza for refusing to support any collaborators, emphasizing respect for families while holding individuals accountable for their betrayal.