After anti-Hamas leader’s death in Gaza, factions grow to fill the gap

The groups, though limited in size, have become more visible since the October ceasefire.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The killing of Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure central to efforts to build armed opposition to Hamas in Gaza, has triggered renewed recruitment among factions operating in Israeli-controlled zones, with their leaders vowing to expand operations despite the loss of their highest-profile commander.

His death last week in Rafah, described by his group as occurring during an attempt to settle a family dispute, has not slowed attempts by several factions to position themselves as actors in Gaza’s future.

The groups, though limited in size, have become more visible since the October ceasefire.

Israeli officials have acknowledged contact with certain clans, and three Egyptian officials said recruitment has risen sharply in recent weeks, estimating that around 1,000 men are now aligned with anti-Hamas forces.

Several factions released videos after Abu Shabab’s death showing fighters assembled in Rafah and pledging to continue their campaign.

Despite these displays, diplomats say the factions lack broad public backing.

Hamas, which still controls areas where most Gazans live, denounced the groups as collaborators and said Abu Shabab met the “inevitable fate of all those who betrayed their people and homeland.”

A security official from a Hamas-led coalition dismissed the factions’ activities as “psychological warfare.”

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the security apparatus would pursue anyone working with its rivals but argued their protection by Israeli forces limits Hamas’ ability to act.

Other factions have also claimed momentum. Hussam Alastal, who leads a group in Khan Younis, told Reuters that he and al-Duhaini had “agreed the war on terror will continue,” describing their vision for “our project, new Gaza.”

He said his fighters receive assistance from “friends” abroad and acknowledged coordination with Israel on supplies, though he denied receiving military support.