Abu Shabab forces emerge as new militia in Gaza to challenge Hamas’ control

The Popular Forces, a new Palestinian militia in Gaza, aims to challenge Hamas and its rule. However, scepticism surrounds the group over its ability to assert itself, as well as its leader Yasser Abu Shabab and his criminal past.

A 300-member-strong Palestinian militia has emerged in Gaza, aiming to liberate the Strip from Hamas — and now it says it has the backing of Israel.

The group, calling itself the Popular Forces, operates in eastern Rafah under the leadership of Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin man in his thirties who spent years in Hamas detention for criminal activities before the 7 October attacks freed him from prison.

According to comments made exclusively to Euronews, Abu Shabab’s group — not to be confused with Somalia’s Islamist extremists, Al-Shabaab — first banded together in June 2024.

The Popular Forces, who also go by the moniker Anti-Terror Service, describe themselves as “volunteers from among the people” who protect humanitarian aid from “looting, corruption and organised theft” by Hamas-affiliated groups.

Read more: Euronews