Leader of Anti-Hamas clan, crucial to US peace plan, assassinated in Gaza.

Israeli sources report that Yasser Abu Shabab, a leading figure opposing Hamas in Gaza, has been killed. He commanded an armed faction in the southern Rafah region, offering protection to Palestinians seeking refuge from the terror group. Rumors suggested that Abu Shabab and other clan leaders might have been considered for roles in post-war security arrangements in Gaza, as part of a U.S. peace initiative.

According to Israeli defence officials, the 31-year-old was killed during an internal conflict within his militia, not by Hamas. He was transported to Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheba, where he later died.

Abu Shababs collaboration with Israel, revealed last May, sparked controversy across Gazan society. A member of the Tanzim Bedouin tribe, he had a history of alleged criminal activity, including drug dealing and looting aid convoys. Nevertheless, he also maintained connections with the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, which reportedly supported his anti-Hamas efforts alongside Israel.

Following the disclosure of his cooperation with Israel, Abu Shabab gave interviews to international media, asserting that he had established a new reality on the ground. He even contributed a column to the Wall Street Journal.

Although Hamas-aligned social media suggested that he had been assassinated by the group, credible Gazan journalists stated that his death resulted from a physical altercation with another militia member. Ghassan al-Dahini, his deputy, is expected to assume leadership of the group.

Images circulated on Thursday appeared to show civilians in Gaza distributing sweets to mark Abu Shababs death. The incident occurred just weeks before Israel is expected to begin constructing alternative safe neighborhoods, a U.S.-backed plan to encourage Gazans under Hamas rule to relocate to IDF-controlled areas in temporary housing.

Speculation about militia involvement in these zones comes amid delays in establishing an international stabilization force mandated by previous U.S. peace proposals and UN resolutions.

In related developments, Israel conducted new air strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. Civilians in Brashit, Majdal, Jbaa, and Mahrouna were warned ahead of attacks. The IDF also confirmed it had killed a Hamas battalion commander and his deputy while they tried to escape through a tunnel.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the next phase of the peace process would soon begin, although there is little evidence of progress in disarming Hamas.

Author: Riley Thompson