Criminal Gangs
Several armed groups operate in Gaza, reportedly under Israeli protection, allegedly looting aid shipments entering the territory amidst ongoing shortages due to the blockade imposed by Israel during the conflict.
The most well-known is the Popular Force, led by Yaser Abu Shabab, who has openly called for Hamás’ ouster. Reports suggest that Abu Shabab operates with Israeli protection, and his group, boasting hundreds of combatants, is based in southern Rafah near Kerem Shalom, the primary entry point for aid into Gaza, controlled by Israel.
According to Naser Jdur, a Palestinian researcher with ACLED monitoring the conflict, there are at least three similar groups to the Popular Force: one led by Rami Heles in eastern Gaza City, another by Ashraf al Mansi in northern Gaza, and a third by Hosam al Astal in Jan Yunis, in the south.
Lack of Legitimacy
“These four groups seem to operate mainly in areas still under Israeli control,” Jdur said, referring to zones beyond the so-called “Amarillo Line,” where Israeli troops have withdrawn following the ceasefire.
These are “looters,” said Tahani Mustafa, a researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). Hamás accuses them of collaborating with Israel.
Both Mustafa and Jdur agree that these groups are too weak to challenge Hamás’ dominance and represent more of an annoyance than a genuine threat. “Hamás remains the strongest and most capable armed group in Gaza,” Jdur affirmed.
Moreover, lacking political affiliation and acting out of self-interest, these gangs have little legitimacy among Gazans.
“Legitimacy for Palestinians stems from resistance against Israel and traditional parties like Fatah, Hamás, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine,” Jdur explained.
Clashes with Hamás
Hamás labels most non-Palestinian faction-linked armed groups as “outlaws” and accuses them of jeopardizing the fragile truce with Israel.
In a recent operation, Hamás’ Radea [“Deterrence”] force stormed Abu Shabab’s stronghold in Rafah, according to a source close to the unit.
Two Israeli soldiers died in that area during the clash, and Israel accused Hamás of violating the ceasefire with bombardments that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, killed dozens of Palestinians across the enclave.
Radea claimed another operation in Rafah on Tuesday, announcing the capture of “hundreds of outlaws” linked to Abu Shabab and Heles.
Over 300 weapons, including “advanced weapons obtained from the Israeli army,” were seized in the operation, according to a source close to Radea.
Hamás Units
ACLED has documented 15 violent incidents led by Radea since June 2025, Jdur noted. In contrast, Sahm (“Arrow”), established in 2024, has been involved in around 130 incidents resulting in 160 Palestinian deaths.
Jdur explained that Sahm primarily targets looters, whether individuals or organized groups, and is known for its harsh punishments, including summary executions.
“In most cases, they shoot or break the legs of looters or collaborators (with Israel) or beat them with iron bars,” Jdur said.
Families and Clans
Other armed actors in Gaza are members of historic Gaza families and Bedouin clans.
According to Muhamad Shehada, another ECFR researcher, these clans have hundreds of combatants and substantial arsenals and participated in criminal activities and smuggling during the war.
Hamás forces recently raided a Doghmush family stronghold in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. The operation resulted in dozens detained and eight public executions on a city street, images that quickly went viral.
- Q: Who are the armed groups clashing with Hamas in Gaza? A: The groups include criminal gangs like the Popular Force, clan-based fighters, and Hamas-labeled outlaws.
- Q: What are these groups accused of? A: They are accused of looting aid, collaborating with Israel, and jeopardizing the fragile truce.
- Q: How legitimate are these groups among Gazans? A: They lack legitimacy due to their self-interest, lack of political affiliation, and harsh methods.
- Q: How does Hamas view these groups? A: Hamas considers them outlaws threatening the truce with Israel.
- Q: What are Hamas’ units doing in Gaza? A: Hamas units, like Radea and Sahm, are engaged in combating looters and outlaws, often using severe punishments.
- Q: What role do historic Gaza families and Bedouin clans play? A: They are armed actors with substantial resources, participating in criminal activities and smuggling during the conflict.
