Reports: Gaza militia leader accused of collaborating with Israel is killed

Yasser Abu Shabab, head of a militant faction in the Gaza Strip accused of cooperating with Israel against Hamas and misappropriating humanitarian aid, has reportedly been killed, according to multiple Israeli media sources.

Israels Channel 14 first announced Abu Shababs death on Thursday, without giving further information. Channel 12 reported that he died following clashes with rival groups in Gaza and was later declared dead at Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel.

Abu Shabab gained notoriety during the recent Israeli military campaign in Gaza, as his Popular Forces group was accused of diverting scarce humanitarian aid allowed into the region. Israeli authorities later stated that they had been working with armed factions in Gaza, including Abu Shababs group, to create a local force opposed to Hamas.

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud said the details of Abu Shababs death remain unclear. The main question who killed Yasser Abu Shabab is still unresolved, he said. Mahmoud added that Abu Shabab and his faction had a reputation in Gaza for alleged drug trade involvement and the misappropriation of aid, including obstructing aid deliveries to northern Gaza, leaving displaced families at risk of famine and malnutrition.

Israeli officials described Abu Shabab as part of efforts to counterbalance Hamas. On Thursday, a Hamas-affiliated security unit in Gaza, Radaa, shared a photo of Abu Shabab on Telegram with the caption: As we told you, Israel wont protect you.

Author: Chloe Ramirez