Hamas killed 50 members of Gaza gang armed by Israel, militia says
Hamas has killed at least 50 members of a Palestinian gang in Gaza armed by Israel, according to a statement by the militia group.
The gang, which is helmed by Yasser Abu Shabab, a clan leader known for criminal activity, said in a press statement that Hamas killed 'over 50 of our volunteers' while they 'guarded aid convoys and redistributed supplies that were otherwise destined for corrupt entities linked to Hamas'.
The announcement comes amid Israeli news reports this week of Israeli soldiers intervening in clashes between Hamas fighters and members of the militia group in order to protect Abu Shabab.
Israeli news channel i24 reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted Hamas fighters while they were clashing with members of Abu Shabab's militia, describing it as 'the first Israeli strike on Gaza whose sole objective was to assist the Abu Shabab militia'.
Meanwhile, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that Abu Shabab's militia had killed six members of Hamas' 'Arrow' unit, which is responsible for targeting collaborators with Israel.
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Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to arming powerful local clans in Gaza, which aid groups have accused of stealing humanitarian aid, in a bid to counter Hamas.
The admission came after defence officials quoted in Israeli media said Netanyahu had authorised the transfer of Kalashnikov assault rifles to Abu Shabab's gang.
Abu Shabab, who was imprisoned by Hamas on drug trafficking charges, managed to flee prison with the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023.
His militia, which operates in southern Gaza, is believed to consist of around 100 men.
Hamas officials told Reuters that Abu Shabab was wanted for 'collaborating with the occupation against his people'.
The officials said Hamas fighters had killed at least two dozen of Abu Shabab's men before January, after they allegedly looted aid trucks.
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