Ghassan Al-Duhaini to take over as Popular Forces leader in Gaza, replacing Abu Shabab

Ghassan Al-Duhaini, previously the deputy to the late Yasser Abu Shabab, has been appointed as the new head of the Popular Forces militia in Rafah, southern Gaza. Following the death of his predecessor, Duhaini was observed moving among the group's fighters, encouraging them and maintaining morale.

Duhaini himself sustained injuries in the same attack that claimed Abu Shababs life. The former leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, 32, died on Thursday amid clashes between armed factions, reportedly due to an internal dispute rather than Hamas fire. Sources indicate that a violent confrontation erupted among several factions over leadership, territorial control, and governance within the militia.

Israeli defense authorities confirmed that the IDF transported Abu Shabab to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Israeli officials view his death as a major setback for Hamas, as Shababs group had been active in challenging Hamas control in the southern Gaza Strip.

Prior to October 2023, Abu Shabab had been imprisoned by Hamas on charges of theft and drug-related offenses. He was freed following an Israeli strike on Gaza security facilities, after which he quickly emerged as a prominent figure filling a security vacuum in eastern Rafah. During the ongoing conflict, he led operations against Hamas, including armed confrontations and the seizure of aid deliveries, in efforts to weaken Hamass grip on resources.

Author: Ava Mitchell