Israeli media have announced the death of Yasser Abu Shabab, commander of the “Popular Forces in Gaza,” anti-Hamas armed militia, amid a fog of contradictory accounts. Some reports point to a Hamas-led ambush in Rafah, while others suggest an internal assassination carried out by one of his own fighters.
As of this writing, no official statement from Gaza was issued confirming or denying his death, and no group claimed responsibility for his ascessination
Israeli sources said Abu Shabab succumbed to his wounds at Soroka Medical Center after being transported there following the incident.
On Wednesday night, Rafah in southern Gaza witnessed fierce armed clashes and the descent of Israeli military helicopters, according to Channel 14, which reported heavy gunfire between Israeli occupation forces and unidentified fighters.
The Israeli air raid killed five Palestinians, including two children, sheltering in displacement tents.
Abu Shabab had gained public visibility during Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, leading a faction accused of collaborating with the Israeli military.
Israeli sources reported that Abu Shabab received weapons and logistical support from the Israeli army and operated under its coordination.
Meanwhile, Al Arabiya reported that Israeli military officials told Army Radio they believe Abu Shabab was killed by his own men in a power struggle, describing the incident as a blow to Israeli interests in the enclave.
In earlier footage, Abu Shabab appeared boasting that his forces controlled areas he described as “liberated from Hamas.” He claimed his group worked with the Palestinian Authority to distribute aid and protect civilians.
But PA security spokesperson Maj. Gen. Anwar Rajab flatly denied any affiliation. In an audio statement to Sky News Arabia, Rajab said Abu Shabab’s militia operated independently and had no connection to official Palestinian forces, particularly in Rafah.
In November, Israeli media had reported on an alleged meeting between Trump's senior advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Abu Shabab in Israel, to discuss the potential role of willing anti-Hamas groups in Gaza in the new governance structure. The US later denied such a meeting had taken place.
However, Abu Shabab's deputy, Hossam Al-Astal had reportedly told Israeli media at the time that the Popular Forces had received confirmation from US representatives that their “group would have a role in Gaza's future police force.”.
This is not the first time rumors of Abu Shabab’s death have circulated. In November, reports claimed he had been killed during a Hamas interior ministry raid targeting criminal gangs, who had seized three trucks loaded with food and diesel. That raid, according to reports, left 20 armed men dead.
