Hamas armed wing confirms death of⁠ Abu Obeida, other leaders

Yasser Abu Shabab, an Israeli-backed militia leader in Gaza, was killed in December 2025, prompting celebrations among Palestinians. Abu Shabab led the Popular Forces group, which emerged after the start of Israel's war in Gaza in 2023. The group attempted to position itself as a replacement for Hamas, but was largely viewed by Palestinians as collaborators with Israel. Abu Shabab's rise and subsequent death highlights Israel's strategy of supporting alternative groups within Gaza. His story raises questions about Israel's broader plans for the region.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a key Palestinian figure collaborating with Israel in Gaza, was killed on December 4, 2025, under disputed circumstances. Abu Shabab, a member of the Tarabin tribe, was reportedly assisting Israeli forces with tasks such as securing safe passage, searching for captives, and disrupting Palestinian resistance. He also commanded the Popular Forces militia and was allegedly being considered for a governorship role by Israel. Following his death, the Tarabin tribe released a statement denouncing his collaboration and affirming their support for Palestinian resistance. His death is considered a setback for Israel's efforts to establish a pro-Israel Palestinian administration in Gaza, highlighting the resistance to colonial rule.

Following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab, Ghassan al-Duhaini has been named the new leader of the "Popular Forces" militia in Rafah. Al-Duhaini, 39, is reportedly a long-time operational leader within the group, despite Abu Shabab being the public face. Born in Rafah in 1987 and a member of the Tarabin Bedouin tribe, al-Duhaini was previously an officer in the Palestinian Authority security forces and later joined Jaysh al-Islam. After assuming command, al-Duhaini pledged to continue the militia's campaign against Hamas, stating he has no fear of the group. The "Popular Forces" released a video showing al-Duhaini inspecting his fighters to demonstrate their continued operation.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a Gaza militia leader accused of collaborating with Israel and looting humanitarian aid, was reportedly killed on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Israeli media outlets reported his death, citing clashes with "Gaza clans" as the cause. Abu Shabab's group, known as the Popular Forces, gained notoriety during the Israeli war on Gaza for allegedly stealing scarce aid intended for civilians. He was also accused of blocking aid trucks from reaching northern Gaza, exacerbating famine conditions. Israeli officials had previously stated they were cooperating with Abu Shabab's group to establish a local force against Hamas. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.

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.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a powerful clan leader in Rafah, Gaza, who allegedly cooperated with Israel against Hamas, has been murdered. Abu Shabab led the "Popular Forces" militia, which formed after the IDF entered Rafah in early 2024 and helped protect civilians and distribute aid. Analysts suggest Hamas viewed these militias as a threat. Reports indicate Abu Shabab was initially wounded in a clan-related confrontation and later died in an Israeli hospital. His group has vowed to continue fighting Hamas. Abu Shabab had previously stated his intent to fight Hamas until its complete elimination from Gaza.

In December 2025, Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the Israeli-backed Gazan militia Popular Forces, was killed in clashes with a Palestinian clan in southern Gaza. Israel had supported Abu Shabab and his militia as part of a strategy to combat Hamas, even allegedly providing them with weapons. Abu Shabab openly acknowledged security coordination with Israel to prevent Hamas infiltration. Hamas celebrated his death, calling him a traitor and urging other pro-Israel militias to surrender. The future of the Popular Forces remains uncertain, though Abu Shabab's deputy has assumed leadership. Since the beginning of the war, Israel has been seeking Gazan allies to weaken Hamas's control and has supported at least four small armed groups.