“A message to all who would challenge the resistance.”
The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry in Gaza issued a public ultimatum Wednesday to a controversial local militia leader accused of espionage for Israel, giving him 10 days to surrender or face trial in absentia.
At the center of this escalating intra-Gaza feud is Yasser Abu Shabab, 32, of Rafah, a former petty criminal turned militia chief, who now finds himself accused of treason, armed rebellion, forming an illegal cell, and collaborating with foreign intelligence—Israel specifically.
Hamas declared the public threat a “message to anyone considering internal dissent within the resistance.”
Hamas issued a warrant for Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the anti-Hamas militia armed with Israeli weapons, to surrender within 10 days or he will be considered a fugitive and tried in absentia.
— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) July 2, 2025
The Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza says the revolutionary court has charged Abu… pic.twitter.com/xwXPTDI488
But Abu Shabab, leader of the self-styled Popular Forces, is firing back. His group denies all accusations, telling Ynet that Hamas itself should be on trial for betraying the Palestinian people through its entanglements with Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood.
“Hamas has turned Gaza into a bargaining chip for outside regimes,” a Popular Forces spokesman said, “and no longer represents the will of the people.”
From Prison Escapee to Militia Warlord
Once jailed by Hamas on drug and theft charges, Abu Shabab reportedly escaped during an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas security facility and re-emerged as a local warlord, claiming to protect civilians and distribute aid.
However, international and Palestinian sources paint a different picture:
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Abu Shabab’s “Popular Forces” is described as a paramilitary gang allegedly coordinating with Israeli forces in areas under Israeli military control near Rafah and Kerem Shalom.
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Hamas’ Qassam Brigades accuse him of recruiting collaborators for Israel to destabilize the enclave.
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A leaked UN memo names Abu Shabab in the looting of humanitarian aid meant for Gaza’s civilians.
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His own family disowned him publicly in May, admitting he was involved in “security activities benefiting Israel.”
EXCLUSIVE: A new militia group in Southern Gaza—backed by Israel—could be the first real attempt at a post-Hamas civil authority.
— The Free Press (@TheFP) June 12, 2025
We got a rare interview with their controversial leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, to ask what his group believes—and what future they seek for Gaza.
In… pic.twitter.com/WdtOrAqSYn
“Anti-Terror” or Organized Crime?
Social media videos show Abu Shabab in military fatigues with armed men at makeshift checkpoints, wearing helmets marked “Anti-Terror Service.” Critics, including humanitarian groups, accuse the militia of extorting protection payments from aid trucks, sometimes allegedly under the watch of Israeli troops.
The U.S.-affiliated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has denied any cooperation with Abu Shabab, emphasizing it does not employ or work with any armed Palestinian actors.
An offshoot of Hamas, Wahdat Saham, enforce the law in Gaza.
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) June 30, 2025
Anyone they disapprove of, or caught trying to get hold of food are shot in the legs. Many are killed. pic.twitter.com/qZtJoZoVE5
Hamas Declares Open Season
Hamas has formally declared the Popular Forces a “hostile entity.” Footage released by Hamas shows its fighters targeting Abu Shabab’s men with explosives in Rafah, treating them as they would Israeli troops and confirming Hamas views Abu Shabab as a serious threat to its rule.
This Gaza power struggle is more than a local gang conflict; it is a battle over who gets to speak for Gaza’s future.
As the deadline ticks down, Abu Shabab’s next move will determine whether Gaza sees another bloody internal confrontation or whether this militia chief will disappear into the underground world of Gaza’s shifting alliances—caught between Hamas, Israel, and the desperation of civilians trapped in the crossfire.
