Anti-Hamas figure Yasser Abu Shabab to secure reconstruction in Rafah: Hebrew media report

• Abu Shabab militia, reportedly cooperating with 'Israel', will secure reconstruction projects in Rafah during Gaza’s second ceasefire phase.
• A social media claim of a meeting between Jared Kushner and Abu Shabab was denied by the US State Department.

Hebrew media reported Tuesday evening that the Abu Shabab militia will be responsible for securing reconstruction efforts in Rafah, in southern Gaza, with 'Israeli' approval.

According to 'Israel’s' official broadcasting authority, the militia , which many reports say had cooperated with 'Israel' during the 'Israeli' offensive, will oversee rebuilding projects in areas it controls alongside 'Israeli' forces.

The announcement comes as Gaza enters the second phase of the ceasefire, which began over a month ago. The first phase included a partial withdrawal of 'Israeli' troops and the exchange of prisoners between 'Israel' and Hamas, while the second phase is expected to involve a larger 'Israeli' military withdrawal, the establishment of a transitional authority, and the start of reconstruction projects.

The broadcasting authority noted that several militias cooperating with 'Israel' operate in pockets of territory under 'Israeli' control in Gaza. So far, 'Israel' has not decided on the fate of these militia s once the 'Israeli' military withdraws from the enclave.

Hebrew media previously reported that Abu Shabab receives 'Israeli' arms support, and that members of the militia are involved in drug trafficking and property crimes.

In a July interview with the 'Israeli' broadcaster, Abu Shabab leader Yasser Abu Shabab said his militia receives logistical and financial support from multiple sources, though he declined to identify them. He added that the militia operates primarily in southern Gaza, particularly Rafah, in areas fully under 'Israeli' control, and claimed they move more freely there than in other parts of the south.

Who is Yasser Abu Shabab?

Abu Shabab leads hundreds of fighters, known as the "Popular Forces", who allegedly provide protection for international organizations working in southern Gaza.

Born into a Bedouin family in southern Gaza, Abu Shabab was imprisoned by Hamas on drug trafficking charges and then released following the outbreak of genocide. He now reportedly controls key aid routes near the vital Karm Abu Salem crossing and allegedly provides security for aid convoys, which have been vulnerable to looting since limited assistance began entering Gaza in mid-May amid the 'Israeli' blockade.

Kushner meeting with Yasser Abu Shabab disputed

Simultaneously with this report, another story drew attention after a social media post falsely claimed a meeting between former White House adviser Jared Kushner and Abu Shabab to discuss Gaza operations and the potential exit of Hamas members via the Rafah crossing.

The US State Department’s Near Eastern Affairs office called the report “false,” prompting the post to be corrected.