Israel reportedly mobilizes certain Palestinian families in Gaza who stand against Hamas, according to Netanyahu's statements.
Changing Tides in Gaza: The Rise of the Popular Forces
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Thursday that Israel has been supporting some Palestinian clans in Gaza who are opposed to Hamas. This marks the first public acknowledgement of Israel arming Palestinian groups within the region. Let's delve a bit deeper into this surprising development.
The Popular Forces, headed by Yasser Abu Shabab, is a Palestinian armed group predominantly based in eastern Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Although it calls itself the Popular Forces or the Anti-Terror Service, it is often perceived as a criminal gang or militia rather than a formal political or military organization. The group consists of about 300 fighters, primarily from the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, known for their trade networks in the Sinai Peninsula and surrounding desert regions.
The Popular Forces has been active since at least the start of the Rafah offensive in May 2024. Opposed to Hamas, they have attempted to clear Hamas forces from parts of eastern Rafah, positioning themselves as protectors of civilians from both "the terror" of the Hamas government and "aid thieves." However, they have also been accused of looting humanitarian aid.
In addition, the group has been involved in armed clashes and is sometimes described as a criminal organization. They include former members of ISIS and other Islamist groups, with some prominent members having fought against the Egyptian army in the Sinai insurgency.
Israel has acknowledged arming and supporting the Popular Forces as part of a broader strategy to undermine Hamas by backing alternative Palestinian forces. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed in June 2025 that his government had been providing weapons to the militia, some of which were seized from Hamas. Their aim is to reduce Israeli military casualties by fostering internal resistance to Hamas. Hamas, however, views the Popular Forces as a rival and has accused them of being affiliated with ISIS and acting as a provocateur in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has reportedly given salaries to the Popular Forces under the patronage of a senior Gaza-based intelligence official, although the PA publicly denies this connection. Internal tensions exist within the PA regarding the extent of support for the militia.
Despite their size, the Popular Forces remain a significant player in the Gaza Strip, reflecting both the internal rivalries within Palestinian politics and the external strategies of regional actors, particularly Israel. Their rise highlights the complexities of the Gaza landscape, where shifting alliances and external interventions are the norm.
The news of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public acknowledgement of Israel arming Palestinian groups within the region, such as the Popular Forces, has unveiled a new layer of politics in war-and-conflicts in Gaza. The Popular Forces, involved in armed clashes and sometimes described as a criminal organization, have been supported by Israel as part of a strategy to undermine Hamas, contributing to the intricacies of general news in the region.
