Latest news with #PopularForces
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gazans Are Finished With Hamas
While most of Gaza continues to suffer under the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, things are very different for thousands living in eastern Rafah—for us, the war is already over. The Popular Forces, an independent Palestinian group under my leadership, have secured several square kilometers of land that have been home to my Bedouin tribe, the Tarabin, for generations. We aren't an ideological movement, but a pragmatic one. Our primary goal is to separate Palestinians who have nothing to do with Hamas from the fire of war. For the past seven weeks, our neighborhood has become the only area in Gaza governed by a Palestinian administration not affiliated with Hamas since 2007. Our armed patrols have successfully kept Hamas and other militant groups out. As a result, life here no longer feels like life in Gaza. In eastern Rafah, people have access to shelter, food, water, and basic medical supplies—all without fear of Hamas stealing aid or being caught in the crossfire with the Israeli military. The effect has been tremendous: no more airstrike casualties, no chaotic aid lines, no evacuation orders, and no fear of booby-trapped homes or children being used as human shields by Hamas. While there is still much to improve, people now sleep at night without fear of death. This should not be the exception in Gaza—it can be the model, the new norm. The vast majority of Gazans reject Hamas. They don't want it to remain in power after the war ends. But though they hate Hamas, they still fear it. Since protests began earlier this year calling for the group's removal, demonstrators have been killed, tortured or forced into hiding. My own family didn't take part in those protests, but when Hamas killed my brother, Fathi Abu Shabab, and my cousin, Ibrahim Abu Shabab, for trying to secure aid for our family—and when 52 civilians under our care were murdered in their homes—I realized that silence is no longer an option. If we remain quiet now, we will never be free, cease-fire or not. This may be our only chance to secure a future that rejects violence and embraces reason. What has prevented most Gazans from expressing their true anger at Hamas is the lack of a viable alternative. Hamas still controls aid access and dominates institutions like the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or Unrwa. Hamas still turns aid centers into hubs for its own operations. In some areas, the only thing preventing people from fleeing is the presence of Israeli troops, which might withdraw as part of a cease-fire. No one else has been willing to step up and risk publicly breaking with Hamas. Those fears lost their meaning for me after my brother and cousin were murdered. Hamas has labeled me a criminal and collaborator, but I am not intimidated by them. I won't surrender. Through our efforts, we have shown a glimpse of what a new Gaza could look like. We have already received requests from many families to relocate to eastern Rafah. With proper support, we are ready to take responsibility for the rest of Rafah. Within months, more than 600,000 people—nearly a third of Gaza's population—could be living outside the cycle of war. We need only three things to make this vision a reality: financial support to prevent Hamas's return, humanitarian aid to meet the population's immediate needs for food and shelter, and safe corridors so people can move around. In a short time, we could transform most of Gaza from a war zone into functioning communities. When the rebuilding has begun, Hamas can negotiate with Israel for the release of hostages in exchange for safe passage out of Gaza. Let them go to Qatar, Turkey or wherever their enablers will have them. We don't want them among us. What comes next for Gaza must be determined by the people themselves, a choice we have been denied for nearly two decades. For now, our focus remains on saving as many lives as possible and laying the foundations for a better future. On behalf of the overwhelming majority of Palestinians in Gaza, the Popular Forces call on the U.S. and Arab countries formally to recognize and support an independent Palestinian administration under our leadership. From eastern Rafah—where families now sleep safely under civil protection—I can see Gaza's future. The question is: Will the world help build it with us, free from the ideologies of violence and terror? Mr. Shabab is commander of the Popular Forces in Gaza.
Jordan News
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Yasser Abu Shabab Calls for International Protection in Case o...
اضافة اعلان Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of a militia operating in southern Gaza, has called for international protection in the event of a ceasefire agreement in the a phone interview with The Sunday Times, published Saturday, Abu Shabab—who heads the so-called Popular Forces militia—denied accusations of collaborating with Israel and looting UN humanitarian aid entering Gaza via the Kerem Shalom Shabab, who had previously been accused of drug trafficking and was imprisoned until the war on Gaza broke out in October 2023, warned that Hamas would exploit any ceasefire to target its political opponents. Along with his deputy, Ghassan Al-Dahini, he urged the international community to offer protection from potential to The Sunday Times, Al-Dahini said their militia is currently protecting themselves and the areas they control, but admitted they lack real support to engage militarily against Hamas. He appealed to the international community to assist them in what he described as the 'liberation of Gaza' from report highlighted that the militia operates in areas currently occupied by the Israeli army in southern Gaza, reinforcing widespread allegations that the group is receiving direct support from article also cited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has defended support for such militias, though Israeli politician and head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, Avigdor Lieberman, described their members as this month, the Joint Operations Room of the Palestinian Resistance Factions labeled Abu Shabab a 'traitorous mercenary', declaring that he and his followers are legitimate targets for all resistance Shabab's militia is reportedly stationed in eastern Rafah, under Israeli military protection, according to Al development adds another layer of complexity to the volatile security and political dynamics in Gaza, as local factions, militias, and international actors maneuver amid efforts for a ceasefire and post-war arrangements.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gaza militia leader Abu Shabab: Oct. 7 not an excuse for Israel's collective punishment
Abu Shabab even 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." 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. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?
As President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, the question of who could govern Gaza if Hamas loses power is one increasingly being discussed. Among the emerging options are local clans and militia leaders. One of those mentioned is Yaser Abu Shabab. Once jailed by Hamas on charges of theft and corruption, he now commands groups of armed men in Gaza's Rafah who patrol and protect aid convoys while openly challenging Hamas's power. "We are not a militia," he insisted in an interview with Israeli outlet Ynet. "Call us counter-terror forces. Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism." Abu Shabab's group, known as the "Popular Forces," began forming in early 2024 after the IDF entered Rafah, and Hamas lost control of the area. Allegedly under Israeli protection, his men now escort aid trucks, distribute supplies, and assert control over parts of eastern Rafah. After Setback To Iran's Nuclear Program, Trump Expected To Leverage Military Support In Netanyahu Meeting For Israel, Abu Shabab represents a test case. Can homegrown actors replace Hamas in Gaza — one enclave at a time? Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, told Fox News Digital, "Emerging enclaves like Abu Shabab's could become building blocks of a post-Hamas order. Whether they develop into territories of self-rule or are later folded into a larger governing authority, they are a necessary part of what's to come." Read On The Fox News App He also dismissed claims that Abu Shabab has ties to ISIS. "That's disinformation pushed by Hamas and repeated in the West," Braude said. "His cousins in Sinai are helping Egypt fight ISIS. He's not part of that world." But others see Abu Shabab's emergence as a troubling echo of past Israeli miscalculations. Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Fox News Digital: "This is a bizarre gang. No ideology, no legitimacy — just a criminal group under Israeli protection." Hamas 'Serious' About Reaching Ceasefire Agreement But Insists On Long-standing Demands Milshtein claimed Israel's support for the group includes captured Hamas weapons and coordination from Palestinian officers based in Ramallah. "Hamas even fired RPGs at them during the ceasefire," he said. "And Israel responded by striking Hamas. It's clear they're being protected." Abu Shabab, who belongs to the influential Tarabin Bedouin clan, says his resistance began when he saw Hamas diverting humanitarian aid. "I started seizing trucks and handing out food," he told Ynet. "I became a wanted man by Hamas, but I fed children. My conscience is clear." Inside Gaza, reactions are mixed. Some locals reportedly follow Abu Shabab because they fear Hamas more than they trust him. Others, like political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada, claim his support is shallow. "He's been disowned by his own tribe," Abusada claimed, currently a visiting scholar at Northwestern University. "The Tarabin see him as a collaborator. If Israel leaves Gaza, Abu Shabab will vanish — or be hunted down by Hamas." In his Ynet interview, Abu Shabab said, "We will not leave the Gaza Strip and will continue to fight Hamas until the last one is dead," and added that his group supports the return of Israeli hostages. "Hamas calls me a thief, a traitor, even ISIS — all to scare people. But they're the ones who killed children, like the Bibas family. They live in tunnels. We lost everything." In his interview on Sunday, Abu Shabab denied any connection with Israel. "We are people of peace and brotherhood and do not want wars," he emphasized. "Our connection is with the Palestinian Authority — that's all." Still, Milshtein sees the project as short-sighted. "There's no strategy here," he said. "Just tactical improvisation. The same people who failed to prevent October 7 are now betting on someone like Abu Shabab. It's delusion — and it's dangerous." Braude said Abu Shabab is no ideologue. "He's a fighter, not a politician," he said. "But if someone like him can hold territory while professionals within it build a civil administration, then that's a meaningful precedent." Fox News Digital reached out to the IDF and Israeli government for comment on allegations it was funding and protecting Abu Shabab and his article source: Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?
Fox News
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?
As President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, the question of who could govern Gaza if Hamas loses power is one increasingly being discussed. Among the emerging options are local clans and militia leaders. One of those mentioned is Yaser Abu Shabab. Once jailed by Hamas on charges of theft and corruption, he now commands groups of armed men in Gaza's Rafah who patrol and protect aid convoys while openly challenging Hamas's power. "We are not a militia," he insisted in an interview with Israeli outlet Ynet. "Call us counter-terror forces. Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism." Abu Shabab's group, known as the "Popular Forces," began forming in early 2024 after the IDF entered Rafah, and Hamas lost control of the area. Allegedly under Israeli protection, his men now escort aid trucks, distribute supplies, and assert control over parts of eastern Rafah. For Israel, Abu Shabab represents a test case. Can homegrown actors replace Hamas in Gaza — one enclave at a time? Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, told Fox News Digital, "Emerging enclaves like Abu Shabab's could become building blocks of a post-Hamas order. Whether they develop into territories of self-rule or are later folded into a larger governing authority, they are a necessary part of what's to come." He also dismissed claims that Abu Shabab has ties to ISIS. "That's disinformation pushed by Hamas and repeated in the West," Braude said. "His cousins in Sinai are helping Egypt fight ISIS. He's not part of that world." But others see Abu Shabab's emergence as a troubling echo of past Israeli miscalculations. Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Forum for Palestinian Studies at Tel Aviv University, told Fox News Digital: "This is a bizarre gang. No ideology, no legitimacy — just a criminal group under Israeli protection." Milshtein claimed Israel's support for the group includes captured Hamas weapons and coordination from Palestinian officers based in Ramallah. "Hamas even fired RPGs at them during the ceasefire," he said. "And Israel responded by striking Hamas. It's clear they're being protected." Abu Shabab, who belongs to the influential Tarabin Bedouin clan, says his resistance began when he saw Hamas diverting humanitarian aid. "I started seizing trucks and handing out food," he told Ynet. "I became a wanted man by Hamas, but I fed children. My conscience is clear." Inside Gaza, reactions are mixed. Some locals reportedly follow Abu Shabab because they fear Hamas more than they trust him. Others, like political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada, claim his support is shallow. "He's been disowned by his own tribe," Abusada claimed, currently a visiting scholar at Northwestern University. "The Tarabin see him as a collaborator. If Israel leaves Gaza, Abu Shabab will vanish — or be hunted down by Hamas." In his Ynet interview, Abu Shabab said, "We will not leave the Gaza Strip and will continue to fight Hamas until the last one is dead," and added that his group supports the return of Israeli hostages. "Hamas calls me a thief, a traitor, even ISIS — all to scare people. But they're the ones who killed children, like the Bibas family. They live in tunnels. We lost everything." In his interview on Sunday, Abu Shabab denied any connection with Israel. "We are people of peace and brotherhood and do not want wars," he emphasized. "Our connection is with the Palestinian Authority — that's all." Still, Milshtein sees the project as short-sighted. "There's no strategy here," he said. "Just tactical improvisation. The same people who failed to prevent October 7 are now betting on someone like Abu Shabab. It's delusion — and it's dangerous." Braude said Abu Shabab is no ideologue. "He's a fighter, not a politician," he said. "But if someone like him can hold territory while professionals within it build a civil administration, then that's a meaningful precedent." Fox News Digital reached out to the IDF and Israeli government for comment on allegations it was funding and protecting Abu Shabab and his militia.
