Identity of Yasser Abu Shabab, Gaza militia leader backed by Israel, revealed after death

The death of Yasser Abu Shabab, head of a Gaza-based militia, marks the end of a controversial figure who attempted to position himself as an alternative to Hamas with backing from Israel, yet was largely regarded by Palestinians as a collaborator.

In his early 30s and a member of the Bedouin Tarabin tribe from southern Gaza, Abu Shabab remained relatively unknown until he emerged as the leader of a militia last year. Initially named the Anti-Terror Service, by May it had rebranded as the Popular Forces, a well-armed group of over 100 fighters operating in areas under Israeli control. While the group projected itself as a nationalist Palestinian force opposing Hamas, its operations often blurred the lines between criminal activity and acting as an Israeli proxy.

Israel appeared to benefit from this portrayal, although the long-term purpose of supporting the group remained unclear, especially as the Popular Forces failed to gain significant support among the Palestinian population. Many Palestinians viewed Abu Shabab as a criminal due to his imprisonment on drug-related charges before escaping during the early stages of the Gaza conflict. His collaboration with Israel, amid extensive civilian casualties, led to widespread condemnation, including from his own tribe, who described his death as the end of a dark chapter that does not represent the history of the tribe.

Unclear Ideology

Abu Shababs political stance was ambiguous, with analysts suggesting he was motivated more by personal power than ideology. The groups anti-terror branding was ironic, given reports of Abu Shababs links to ISIL, largely related to smuggling operations from Egypts Sinai rather than shared extremist beliefs. There was also a contrast between his background and his English-language media presence, including an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal.

In the article, he claimed that the Popular Forces controlled much of eastern Rafah in southern Gaza and aimed to build a new future, emphasizing a mission to shield non-Hamas Palestinians from the violence. Despite Abu Shababs attempts to downplay connections with Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in June that his government had relied on armed clansidentified as Abu Shababs forcesto counter Hamas, based on security officials recommendations and past experiences with local militias.

Humanitarian Claims and Controversy

The Popular Forces portrayed themselves as protectors of humanitarian aid, particularly at sites supported by US- and Israeli-backed initiatives. Abu Shabab told CNN that his group consisted of local volunteers safeguarding aid from theft and corruption. However, internal UN documents and reports from security sources in Gaza accused the group of systematically looting aid supplies, reinforcing the perception that the militia acted as an Israeli proxy amid a humanitarian crisis caused by war and restrictions on aid.

Given his limited influence and lack of broad support, it is unsurprising that few Palestinians mourned Abu Shababs death. The details of the killing remain unclear, reflecting the opaque and controversial nature of his activities and his fleeting attempt to challenge Hamas in Gaza.

Author: Riley Thompson