Anti-Hamas militias vow to continue fight after leader’s killing

Rafah-based leader Yasser Abu Shabab was shot in a clan dispute, not by Hamas operatives.

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

Several militias defiantly reaffirmed their opposition to Hamas over the weekend following the Thursday killing of Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the oldest group challenging the terrorist organization’s control of the Gaza Strip.

Abu Ali Express, the Israeli social media channel that monitors Arab media, cited their statements, which were posted online.

Ashraf al-Mansi, who leads the “Popular Army, Northern Forces” militia based in Beit Lahiya, said, “It is impossible to kill the great national, free idea. We are staying loyal to our covenant.”

Al-Mansi had pledged allegiance to Abu Shabab when he formed his own armed group in the Israeli-held part of northern Gaza several months ago.

Rami Halas, whose clan is based in eastern Gaza City, likewise said his militia would continue to combat “the terrorism of Hamas” as before.

The newest challenger, Shuki Abu Nasira of eastern Khan Yunis — a former Fatah officer who posted a video vowing to “free our people from Hamas’ subjugation” only a week ago — also declared he would continue the fight.

“We are all Yasser Abu Shabab,” he said. “A thousand new Yasser Abu Shababs will rise. Death to Hamas!”

Yasser Abu Shabab founded the first anti-Hamas militia, “Popular Forces,” in May 2024 in Rafah, and Israel has been working with it since early this year.

Although Hamas wanted him dead, he was not killed by any of its operatives.

According to a report translated by Abu Ali Express, sources in eastern Rafah said the culprits were members of the Abu Sanima clan, who refused to join the Popular Forces and refused to leave Rafah.

The Popular Forces allegedly arrested some family members, attacked them and confiscated their phones.

On Thursday, Mahmoud Abu Sanima came with two men to request the release of his nephew. When Abu Shabab refused, Mahmoud left but returned with a submachine gun and opened fire, killing Abu Shabab, the report said.

Popular Forces gunmen then clashed with the clan, killing five of its members, including Mahmoud, and executed the nephew he had sought to free, according to the report.

Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh said Abu Shabab’s deputy, Ghassan al-Dahini, was lightly wounded in the leg in the shooting.

Both were flown by Israeli helicopter to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where Abu Shabab died.

Al-Dahini returned to Gaza by Saturday, assumed command and publicly reviewed his fighters to show he was in charge.

On Facebook, as cited by Abu Ali Express, al-Dahini quoted two verses from the Koran praising patience and restraint in times of hardship, loss or tragedy.

In its announcement of his death, the militia wrote, “With great pride and honor, the Popular Forces mourn their heroic martyr, Yasser Abu Shabab, the founder of the Popular Forces in the Gaza Strip,” who was shot while “attempting to resolve a dispute between members of the Abu Sanima family.”

Hamas supporters celebrated his death by distributing sweets on the streets.

In its statement, Hamas said his killing was “the inevitable outcome for anyone who betrays his people and homeland and chooses to become a tool in the hands of the occupation.”

anti-HamasmilitiasRafahYasser Abu Shabab