Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab: Oct. 7 not an excuse for Israel's collective punishment
Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia leader wanted by Hamas, has become a significant figure in Gaza, especially after his organization's Facebook page, "Yasser Abu Shabab – The Popular Forces," garnered widespread support.
Among the prominent comments are expressions of support, including calls for protection and appreciation for "Commander Yasser," with one commenter stating, 'May Allah protect you and save you from harm. All support and appreciation for Commander Yasser,' while another added, 'If there were an election for governance in the Gaza Strip, I would give you my vote, Yasser.'
One more comment strongly urges the defeat of Hamas: 'Finish them off and don't leave a single Hamas member alive,' and yet another expresses frustration with the political situation: 'Our people are under a heavy disaster because of personal interests, and we must fight this disaster to bring ourselves better lives.'
This online support is a remarkable phenomenon: an armed figure advocating for dialogue and offering a new vision, one that is not just violent or oppositional, but ideological and moral.
Who are the Popular Forces?
Abu Shabab explained the core of the organization to Walla: "The Popular Forces is a Palestinian national and independent body, established to meet the need for civilian protection, humanitarian aid distribution, and securing areas that will not fall victim to terror or local extremism."
"This is in response to the collapse of official systems and the dominance of a weapon-driven logic.
"We are a non-political, popular movement that seeks to build a Palestinian society that is stable, free from violence, peaceful, secure, living with dignity, and believing in dialogue as a legitimate means to achieve future understandings," he added.
When questioned about the October 7 attack, Abu Shabab said: "Hamas's decision on 7/10 justified the attacks on Gazans, a failed military decision that led us to hell. But 7/10 is not an excuse for Israel's collective punishment policy against our people and the killing of innocent civilians."
"Our weapons are for the protection of our people from anarchy within the Gaza Strip, from oppression, corruption, and from those who exploit Gaza's population under the guise of resistance or religion," he said when asked if he would one day target Israel. "Our weapons are not intended for anyone outside our borders."
"We will protect civilians, create international pressure, and push for an end to the violence that no one wants to escalate."
He also emphasized that he believes that Israel has the right to live in peace.
"Just as the Palestinian people have the right to live freely, safely, and with dignity in their country, Israelis also have the right to live in security and peace, within internationally recognized borders, based on a non-aggression pact," he said.
"We do not see the Israeli people as our enemy. Mutual security begins with respecting the basic rights of our people. Anyone who does not threaten us will be met with discretion."
Ceasefire and a new vision for Gaza
Abu Shabab emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
"A ceasefire is essential as hunger worsens. Palestinians need time to breathe and establish safe humanitarian zones free from violence, where their demand for dignity can be met," he said.
"The Gaza Strip after the war will be a disaster-stricken area requiring international cooperation to rehabilitate it, so its citizens can live dignified lives and be compensated for the pain of war, thus ending the era of violence."
Abu Shabab also hinted at a future in politics.
"We will be what our people want us to be. We will not impose any political system on their will."
Over time, his organization has grown in strength, with some claiming it is a branch of the Palestinian Authority. Abu Shabab, however, denies any such affiliation.
"We are not subordinate to the Palestinian Authority; we are fully independent. Attempts to link us to the authority are meant to undermine our legitimacy."
"While several parties, including the [Palestinian] Authority, provided small aid at our start, this does not affect our independence. We welcome any support that aligns with our goals: protecting civilians, preventing aid theft, and strengthening justice and dignity."
Hamas's response and Abu Shabab's defiance
As Abu Shabab's influence grows, Hamas has launched attacks against him. Gaza's Interior Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas, issued an arrest warrant on charges of "treason," threatening him with trial in absentia. Hamas-affiliated Arab channels have also issued threats.
Abu Shabab, however, remains defiant.
"We are not afraid of Hamas. They should not think of attacking us—we have unexpected surprises. It's our right to have public support that believes in us. This is the right form of democracy.
"Hamas has already lost its popularity. It must apologize to our people for the decision to carry out the 7/10 attack, leave the leadership, and implement the will of the Palestinian and Arab people, not Iran's. Our religion, Islam, is one of justice, security, and peace. We were not born to fight forever, but to live with dignity on our land."
While it remains unclear whether the Popular Forces will replace Hamas, one thing is certain: Abu Shabab's figure—armed yet advocating for dialogue—signals a breaking of the fear barrier and the beginning of a new conversation in the Gaza Strip.
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