Prominent anti-Hamas militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab killed in Gaza

BBC News - WorldEN 3 min read 100% complete December 4, 2025 at 10:45 PM

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Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the anti-Hamas Popular Forces militia in Gaza, was killed near Rafah. The Popular Forces stated Abu Shabab was shot while mediating a dispute, denying Hamas involvement, while other sources suggest an internal power struggle or retribution for alleged collaboration with Israel. Hamas condemned Abu Shabab as a traitor but did not claim responsibility. The Popular Forces, operating in Israeli-controlled territory, has previously been accused of looting aid and links to ISIS, which they deny. Abu Shabab was reportedly vying for power in a post-Hamas Gaza as part of a US peace plan involving an interim government and disarmament of Hamas.

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yasser abu shabab 100% anti-hamas militia 90% gaza 80% popular forces 80% hamas 70% armed palestinian clans 60% israel 60% palestinian 50% internal power struggle 50% looting humanitarian aid 40%