VIDEO - Yasser Abu Shabab confirmed killed: statement by his group

• Yasser Abu Shabab, commander of the anti-Hamas "Popular Forces" militia, was killed after being shot while mediating a family dispute in Rafah.
• Abu Shabab's death, which his own group denied was caused by Hamas, is considered a setback for ‘Israel’s’ strategy of fostering local proxies for governance in Gaza.

The "Popular Forces" militia in Gaza announced on Thursday the death of its commander, Yasser Abu Shabab, who succumbed to injuries sustained while attempting to mediate a family dispute in Rafah.

The group described the incident as an effort to resolve a conflict among members of the Abu Seneima family, denying any involvement by Hamas and vowing to continue its operations against "terrorism" in the region.

Details of the event reveal a violent escalation stemming from a demand for the release of a detained relative. According to reports, Mahmoud Abu Seneima, from the same Tarabin Bedouin tribe as Abu Shabab, approached him seeking his nephew's freedom.

The refusal led to an altercation, after which Abu Seneima returned armed and opened fire, wounding Abu Shabab and others. Abu Shabab was reportedly taken to ‘Israel's’ Soroka Medical Center, where he died, though the hospital denied admitting him.

In retaliation, Abu Shabab's allies executed the detained nephew, sparking further clashes that killed Abu Seneima and four others.

Who is Yasser Abu Shabab? 

Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin in his early 30s born in Rafah, rose to prominence after escaping a Hamas prison during ‘Israeli’ bombings in 2023.

Previously imprisoned for drug trafficking, he formed armed groups to intercept aid convoys, claiming to protect them from theft while facing accusations of looting.

Hamas labeled him a collaborator and issued a death order, with his group surviving multiple assassination attempts.

The Popular Forces emerged during the Gaza war as an anti-Hamas faction operating in ‘Israeli’-controlled areas of eastern Rafah.

The militia conducted security sweeps, distributed aid to locals, and established a local administration, urging international recognition.

However, it was infamous for blocking aid to northern Gaza and involvement in drug trafficking, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid famine conditions.

‘Israel’ openly supported such anti-Hamas clans, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming in June that arms were provided to groups like the Popular Forces to counter Hamas and reduce ‘Israeli’ casualties.

Abu Shabab and his militia repeatedly denied receiving ‘Israeli’ backing.

Palestinians in Gaza celebrated by distributing sweets, viewing him as a traitor.

Abu Shabab's killing represents a setback for ‘Israel's’ post-war strategy in Gaza, which aimed to foster local proxies for governance amid a US-backed ceasefire.

Hamas’ Response

Hamas hailed his death in a statement, saying it is clear consequence for “treason”

"The fate met by the deceased agent and collaborator with the occupation, Yasser Abu Shabab, is the inevitable fate for every person who betrays his people and his homeland and agrees to be a tool in the hands of the occupation,” Hamas asserted.

The group said that ‘Israel's’ attempt to use "socially and morally degenerate and outlaw gangs" as a tool to implement "illusory projects" in the Gaza Strip reflects the state of "impotence" reached by the occupation in the face of the "heroic steadfastness and valiant resistance of our people."

Hamas stressed that the occupation, which was unable to protect its agents, "will not be able to protect any of its henchmen."