Israeli military radio announced Thursday that Abu Shabaab was killed by unidentified gunmen in Rafah, southern Gaza, which is now under full Israeli control.
In a statement released later in the day, Hamas said the Israeli regime had failed to protect its agents, stressing that the fate of anyone who interferes with the security of the population and serves the enemy is “to fall into the dustbin of history, without any respect or standing.”
According to Press TV, the movement pointed out the importance of the unity of the Palestinian people to thwart Israeli plots and praised the families, tribes and clans that disavowed Abu Shabaab and its accomplices.
Hamas said the criminal acts committed by Abu Shabab and its groups in conjunction with the Israeli military “constitute a blatant departure from national and social identity” and have nothing to do with Palestinian values and traditions.
He stressed that this isolated group “represents only themselves.”
Hamas said Israel’s use of local militias reflected its “powerlessness in the face of the resolute stand and courageous resistance of the Palestinian people.”
Abu Shabab emerged as head of the so-called People’s Army during the two-year genocidal war, looting aid, killing and kidnapping Palestinian civilians and Hamas fighters, and collaborating with the Israeli military.
Abu Shabaab’s People’s Army has faced widespread condemnation from Palestinian factions, which have denounced the group as “traitors” and accused it of having ties to both Israel and Daesh.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously acknowledged that Abu Shabaab gangs are being armed by Israel. Palestinian sources told Kan News last month that Abu Shabaab officials also took part in meetings with senior U.S. officials.
Israel launched a genocidal war in Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 70,000 Palestinians, destroying large swathes of territory, and displacing nearly the entire population.
MNA