Yasser Abu Shabab, Israel-Backed Gaza Clan Leader, Killed in Rafah
RAFAH, Gaza Strip — December 5, 2025 — Yasser Abu Shabab, a prominent clan leader in Gaza known for his opposition to Hamas and cooperation with Israel, was killed following a violent clan confrontation in Rafah, officials said.
Abu Shabab led the Abu Shabab militia, also known locally as the Popular Forces of the Gaza Strip. His group emerged in early 2024 amid Israeli Defense Forces operations in Rafah, as Hamas began losing control of the area. The militia operated under alleged Israeli protection, escorting aid trucks, distributing supplies, and maintaining control over parts of eastern Rafah.
According to multiple reports, Abu Shabab was wounded during a clan-related clash and was evacuated to a hospital in southern Israel, where he later died from his injuries. The Popular Forces confirmed his death in a statement, saying he was killed while attempting to resolve a local dispute.
Analysts described Abu Shabab’s militia as a key force helping Israel protect local residents and prevent Hamas from causing harm. Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told Fox News Digital that Hamas viewed these militias as a significant threat and sought to dismantle them.
However, Abu Shabab’s death at the hands of a rival clan, Hamula, highlights the complex and fragmented nature of power in Gaza. Michael noted that disarming Hamas alone would not stabilize the region without an effective alternative governance structure, warning that the Gaza Strip could descend into further chaos.
The Popular Forces pledged to continue their operations until “the last terrorist was eliminated in Gaza,” emphasizing their commitment to pursuing a secure future for their people. In previous interviews, Abu Shabab stated his determination to remain in Gaza and fight Hamas until the end.
A senior U.N. official once described Abu Shabab as the “self-styled power broker of east Rafah,” underscoring his influence in the area. His death marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and rival factions within Gaza.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between Hamas and various armed groups, complicating efforts to deliver aid and maintain order in the region.
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