In a controversial development, Israel has initiated support for certain Palestinian armed groups within Gaza, purportedly to counter the control of Hamas. However, concerns have been raised by the United Nations and various aid organizations pointing to these armed entities’ alleged access to aid supplies, with accusations of looting directed at them.
One of the groups receiving attention, the Popular Forces led by Yasser Abu Shabab, claims to be safeguarding new food distribution centers in southern Gaza, which are backed by Israel. However, aid workers contend that this group has a notorious past of raiding United Nations’ supply trucks. The armed factions in Gaza, often linked to influential clans or extensive families, have been described as operable like criminal syndicates. Critics argue that Israel’s backing is part of a broader strategy to exert control over all aid efforts in the besieged strip. Despite these assertions, Israel denies facilitating looters in Gaza.
Details about these factions remain ambiguous. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel has activated clans in Gaza to challenge Hamas, although he did not provide specifics about the kind of support offered or the intended role of these groups. In Gaza, clans wield significant influence, often mediating disputes and, in some cases, are involved in illicit activities such as smuggling. Though Hamas initially cracked down on these groups, its waning influence after prolonged conflict with Israel has enabled these factions to resume their activities. Notably, some clans have publicly condemned looting and urged caution against cooperation with Israel.
Among the known groups believed to be supported by Israel is the Abu Shabab militia, which describes itself as a nationalistic entity committed to protecting aid, particularly around food hubs managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This organization, primarily based in America, is seen as a potential replacement for the United Nations’ aid network. Nonetheless, the humanitarian team and Palestinian acquaintances of the group believe it includes several hundred fighters. While the Abu Shabab group asserts cooperation with GHF in ensuring safe aid delivery, GHF denies any formal affiliation with the militia, emphasizing that its workers are non-armed and unaffiliated with the Abu Shabab organization.
Yasser Abu Shabab’s history includes alleged involvement in cigarette and drug smuggling through Gaza’s borders. Abu Shabab reportedly gained release from prison at the onset of recent conflicts, an event confirmed by certain family members. His group’s involvement in aid truck raids has been downplayed, with recent claims indicating minimal necessity-driven appropriation of resources.
Transport operators associated with aid missions in Gaza have frequently reported assaults by members of the Abu Shabab faction, especially in regions under Israeli surveillance. These gangs have targeted trucks entering Gaza, committing acts of aggression with little intervention from nearby Israeli forces. In some instances, efforts by Hamas policemen to curb such behaviors have been thwarted by the Israeli military.
Incidents involving ransacking of aid and protection of these armed groups allegedly under Israeli auspices suggest a pattern of concerning activities, according to representatives from the United Nations. Despite numerous allegations, the Israeli military has refrained from commenting, branding the accusations as misinformation. Official Israeli statements persistently accuse Hamas of diverting supplies from incoming aid.
This situation has broader implications for aid distribution in Gaza. Analysts like Muhammad Shehada argue that the real motive behind Israel’s support for these groups is not to combat Hamas directly but rather to design a narrative that positions GHF as the primary, dependable aid provider, undercutting the U.N.’s role. Israel suggests that GHF should replace the current U.N.-led relief efforts, accusing Hamas of misappropriating resources—an assertion denied by the U.N. Moreover, Israel’s strategy allegedly includes moving Gaza’s population to new military-administered zones around food hubs.
The decision to block food and essential supplies from entering Gaza for several months has driven its residents toward severe shortages. With GHF commencing distribution, albeit under tightly controlled conditions, aid continues to face limitations due to rigid Israeli military oversight and imposed conditions. Such restrictions have led to larger discussions on aid access and utilization as a geopolitical tool in the region.