Hamas' operation in Rafah aimed at Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of 'Israeli'-backed militia: Reports
Media outlets affiliated with Hamas stated that the group’s operation in eastern Rafah earlier in the day was aimed at Yasser Abu Shabab, described as the leader of a militia allegedly operating with 'Israeli' support in the area.
According to media outlets citing Hamas statements, the militia operates within a zone under 'Israeli' control, as defined by the current ceasefire agreement. No further details about the attack were provided by Hamas officials.
Earlier reports stated that two 'Israeli' soldiers were killed in a serious security incident in southern Gaza’s Rafah area, one of the most significant alleged breaches of the recent ceasefire.
The explosion targeted an 'Israeli' engineering vehicle and was suspected to have been caused either by an anti-tank missile or a planted explosive device, according to 'Israeli' accounts. In response, 'Israeli' forces launched airstrikes on several targets in Rafah.
Initial reports suggested that large reinforcements were dispatched to the area, while the 'Israeli' army confirmed that its air force carried out strikes against what it described as “resistance targets” in Rafah. The military has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Meanwhile, 'Israel’s' Channel 12, citing informed sources, reported that the 'Israeli' airstrikes on Rafah were intended to protect the militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab.
In response to those reports, Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, issued a statement reaffirming its full commitment to the ceasefire and denying any knowledge or involvement in the Rafah clashes. The statement emphasized that communication with units in the area has been cut off since the resumption of hostilities in March and described Rafah as a “red zone under full Israeli control.”
“Therefore, we have no connection to any events occurring in those areas, nor can we contact any of our fighters there, if any remain alive,” the statement said. The declaration presents a direct counter-narrative to 'Israeli' claims and raises questions about the nature of the Rafah incident.
