“Israel” has been accused of arming Palestinian gangs in southern Gaza and reportedly caused vigilance over the use of proxy forces and looting humanitarian aid forces to counter Hamas, Al Mayaden reported.
Verified satellite images and footage obtained by Haaretz reveal that a new Palestinian armed group led by a man identified as Yasser Abu Shabab has increased its operations in East Rafa.
The area is currently under direct control of Israeli occupation forces. The group calling itself “anti-terrorist service” is made up of around 100 armed men, reportedly referred to as both criminal gangs and militias.
According to the Israeli era, the Israeli regime was said to have supplied Kalashnikov rifles to Abu Shabaab factions, including the seizing from Hamas fighters.
The reported operation was said to have been approved by Israeli security cabinet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Articles detailing these claims were cleared because they were published by Israeli military censorship.
Abu Shabaab, a Rafa resident with a known criminal history, is accused of coordinating the aid and theft business. His militia is also accused of being linked to extremist groups and working with smuggling networks related to elements of Egyptian extremist.
The presence of gangs near Karem Abu Salem Aid Crossing and the activities of the looting convoys have spurred sharp criticism from both Palestinian families and international humanitarian organisations.
The militia’s ties to Israeli forces have been recognized by Abu Shabaab’s own family, who publicly denied him in a statement, saying, “We affirm that we will not accept Yassar’s return to his family… His blood will be confiscated.” The statement came after video went viral showing gangs working with the undercover investigation unit of Israeli occupation in Gaza, working together.
Abu Shabaab claims that his subordinates are protecting the delivery of aid. However, Hamas officials and humanitarian witnesses have repeatedly accused these convoys of targeting and looting them, exacerbating the already tragic humanitarian conditions of the strip.
MNA