Israel Reportedly Arming Additional Anti-Hamas Clans in Gaza

Latest Developments

• Additional Clans Fighting Hamas: Israel is reportedly now arming and coordinating with two additional Fatah-linked clans in Gaza that are hostile toward Hamas. One group, the Khalas clan, associated with Gaza-based activist Rami Khalas and Fatah Central Committee member Ahmad Khalas, is operating against Hamas in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood, while a second Fatah-aligned faction, led by Yasser Khanidak, is reportedly operating in Khan Yunis. Both groups are being armed and logistically supported by Israel, sources told Israel’s Ynet.
• Hamas Demands Abu Shabab’s Surrender: The Abu Shabab faction, which reportedly numbers 400 operatives and is also suspected of being Israel-backed and armed, is reportedly making slow progress in its bid to take over the southern city of Rafah. On July 3, Hamas issued a 10-day ultimatum, ordering the group’s leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, to surrender and face trial, accusing him of treason. The largely Bedouin group called the Hamas threats a “sitcom that doesn’t frighten us, nor does it frighten any free man who loves his homeland and its dignity.”
• Rumors of a Deal: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to the United States next week to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, with Jerusalem hoping to clinch a Gaza ceasefire deal before the visit, according to Hebrew-language media. Israel is open to negotiating a comprehensive Gaza ceasefire in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages, with Netanyahu asserting on July 2 that the simultaneous goals of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages are still achievable. The Israeli leader is expected to urge an increase in Qatari pressure on senior Hamas officials living in Doha to force the terrorist organization to negotiate.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel arming clans has not created enough pressure on Hamas to create a crisis for the group. While significantly degraded, Hamas continues to be the dominant organization in Gaza. The limited number of fighters and public mistrust of the motives driving the nascent armed organizations have proved to be significant obstacles to overcome. The most pressing concern for Hamas is that several armed opposition groups will grow and become a considerable fighting force.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“We’re likely to see more scenes of Hamas-led repression in the coming days and weeks following the announcements of Israeli-backed armed factions. Palestinian media has already turned against these individuals, labeling them as traitors and collaborators. Hamas, in turn, often justifies its crackdown on local dissidents by framing them as part of this alleged betrayal.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Israeli military focuses on next steps in Gaza campaign, reorganizes aid access,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“Hamas Arrow Unit Operatives Take Refuge in Gaza Hospital Amid Furious Gun Battle With Palestinian Opponents,” FDD Flash Brief

“7 IDF Soldiers Killed in Gaza as Hamas Attacks Palestinians Opposed to Its Continued Rule,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘The Campaign to Return the Hostages Is Ongoing’: Israel Recovers Remains of 3 Hostages in Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief