'Israel' authorizes Abu Shabab militia role at Rafah crossing: Hebrew media
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- 'Israel' authorizes an armed militia to take part in screening Palestinians at the Rafah crossing.
- Hebrew media report the move as part of a broader policy of covertly backing local militias in Gaza.
'Israel' has allowed an armed militia to participate in the inspection of Palestinians entering and leaving through the Rafah land crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, according to the official Hebrew Broadcasting Authority.
In a report published Wednesday evening, the broadcaster said 'Israel' permitted members of the militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab to take part in the screening process, “in the hope that this body will permanently assume the task.”
Images show militia presence at crossing
The report included a photograph taken earlier this week on the Palestinian side of the crossing, showing militia leader Ghassan Al-Dahini alongside several armed members, the broadcaster said.
According to the authority, available information “indicates that militia elements are present in the vicinity of the crossing, which is located in an area under Israeli control, and that their presence is with Israeli approval.”
Limited reopening under strict control
'Israel' reopened the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on February 2, after occupying it since May 2024. The reopening was described as extremely limited, with tight restrictions on movement.
Reports of covert militia backing
The development follows earlier reporting by the Hebrew newspaper Ynet, which said last Friday that 'Israel' is secretly backing armed militias in the Gaza Strip with money, weapons, and field protection. The paper said the militias operate in areas where Israeli forces are deployed, under the framework of the ceasefire.
Read more: All of ‘Israel’ within range of Iranian missiles, warns Hebrew media
According to the report, 'Israeli' forces use these militias for “narrow tactical missions”, including pursuit and detention operations, as well as sending members to search for Hamas fighters in tunnels or among rubble.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged in June that 'Israel' had armed militias in Gaza to use them against Hamas.
Militia founder killed
Yasser Abu Shabab, the militia’s founder and former leader, was killed in December during clashes between clans in Gaza, according to 'Israeli' media reports. The Tarabin tribe in the Gaza Strip, to which Abu Shabab belonged, later said his killing had “closed a chapter of shame.”
