Unconventional Tactics in Gaza: Israel Equips Local Palestinian Groups Against Hamas
Equipping Gaza's Family Clans with Israeli Weapons
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a surprising move by arming local Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip, aiming to counter Hamas. These groups reportedly reject affiliation with Hamas, and the strategy was revealed by Netanyahu in a video message posted on X.
Netanyahu confirmed the activation of these local clans at the recommendation of senior security officials. He emphasized that, "What’s wrong with that? It's only good. It saves the lives of Israeli soldiers." The primary focus appears to be a relatively small group in the Rafah area, led by Jassir Abu Shabab, who has made a name for himself as a looter of aid supplies, according to media reports.
However, arming the Abu Shabab group isn't without risks, as a former Israeli intelligence officer highlighted. Close monitoring is necessary to prevent "blowback," given the group’s estimated several hundred members. Nevertheless, experts have long predicted a possible collapse of order within the Gaza Strip, and the installation of chaotic conditions similar to those in Somalia, with rival warlords, gangs, and clans dominating the territory.
Yet, immediately addressing the humanitarian lens, the ongoing instability in Gaza has left civilians struggling with severe shortages of essentials like food, water, medicine, and shelter. Data shows that more than 20 months of war have failed to completely eradicate Hamas, and the possibility of a moderate Palestinian Authority (PA) taking control has been dismissed by Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations in Lebanon, striking underground facilities belonging to the Hisbollah militia. These facilities were said to produce and store drones for the militia, acting on guidance and financial support from Iranian terror officials. The repercussions of these attacks, taking place on the eve of the Muslim religious holiday, Eid al-Adha, received swift criticism from Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun.
In recent years, the Hisbollah has been supporting Hamas in Gaza, firing rockets at Israel since October 2023. Israel responded with air strikes and a ground offensive.
navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, decisions and actions concerning the region's people and security should be taken with utmost consideration of their potential consequences. Moreover, adding fuel to the fire might not guarantee a decisive victory but instead perpetuate a vicious cycle of violence and suffering.
Entertaining Facts and Figures
- Did You Know?: Gaza's inhabitants face an average water contamination rate of 97%, according to UN figures[2]. Drinking and bathing in water polluted with high salt concentrations, disease-causing bacteria, and even raw sewage can lead to various severe health issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, kidney diseases, and skin infections[3].
- Gee- whiz!: Hamas began its modern history as a Palestinian militant group founded in 1987 in response to the First Intifada; it has since exerted significant control over Gaza, experiencing several conflicts with Israel[4].
- Curiosity Corner: The tunnels targeted in Lebanon by Israel are reportedly vast networks, said to extend to Lebanon's border with Syria, containing not only drones, but also weapons and supplies funneled by Iran to Hezbollah[5].
The Commission could be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers within Gaza, considering the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation due to the ongoing instability and conflicts in the region. Political tensions escalate as Israel's arming of local Palestinian groups, like the one led by Jassir Abu Shabab in Rafah, raises concerns about potential violence and long-term consequences, similar to those seen in Somalia.
