Israel Reportedly Arms Anti-Hamas Palestinians in Gaza

Latest Developments

• Palestinian Militia Reportedly Receives Weapons From Israel: A nascent Palestinian militia called the Popular Forces (PF), led by Gazan clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab, has received Kalashnikov rifles from Israel. The transfer of light weapons was facilitated by Israeli security services and approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Times of Israel reported. The move reflects Israel’s broader strategy to bolster rival factions in Gaza capable of challenging Hamas’s dominance, it noted.
• Behind the Popular Forces: The PF has denied being a militia or a newly formed faction, claiming its members were forced to arm themselves due to the security vacuum and widespread lawlessness caused by the war in Gaza. In a statement issued on May 28, the group said that its primary mission is to restore stability, notably by protecting the delivery of humanitarian aid. Abu Shabab, its leader, has previously been accused of looting humanitarian aid convoys.
• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Resumes Aid: Following a one-day pause due to logistical work, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reported on June 5 that it distributed 1,441,440 meals through its Safe Distribution Sites (SDSs) in Tal al-Sultan and the Saudi Neighborhood in the southern city of Rafah. During its initial phase of operations, GHF said it has delivered approximately 8.48 million meals through a total of 132,480 aid boxes. The GHF said it is working on opening additional aid distribution centers, including sites in the northern Gaza Strip.

FDD Expert Response

“There is little doubt that the Popular Forces is a threat to Hamas. The Iran-backed group is currently fighting for its survival against Israel, and a rival armed organization has emerged to challenge it. Hamas has not been under threat of having its authority removed in Gaza since it violently seized the territory in 2007. However, precedent suggests caution. Israel’s past efforts to empower proxy groups such as the Phalange militia in Lebanon or certain Syrian rebel factions have produced mixed results.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Empowering non-Hamas groups in Gaza and providing a new civilian-led government for Gaza is essential to removing Hamas. However, working with armed groups that are not vetted or have been involved in crimes in the past, or which have connections to extremists, should be avoided or treated with extreme caution. Arming these non-Hamas groups presents an increased risk, not only to IDF soldiers operating near them in Gaza but also to Israeli civilians. Replacing Hamas is important after more than 600 days of war; however, any initiative in Gaza should be tied to a larger strategy and vision for a post-Hamas era in Gaza and the return of hostages to Israel.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Hamas Wants to Control the Food’: Israel Again Accused of Shooting Gazans Near Aid Site as Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Jabalia,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘False Reporting’: GHF Counters Widespread Media Claims of Israeli Attack on Palestinians Seeking Aid in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“Analysis: Hamas likely strikes rival Palestinian armed group amid mounting internal pressure,” by Joe Truzman