Israel Expanding Support of Anti-Hamas Militias in Gaza, Including ISIS-Linked Group

Israeli forces are supporting armed Palestinian groups that are opposed to Hamas. The groups have established two areas outside of Hamas’ control. One of the militias, Abu Shabab, is tied to the Islamic State. 

A new Palestinian armed militia, Strike Force Against Terror, announced it is prepared for 300-400 people to live in a neighborhood of Khan Younis under its control. “[Israel] help[s] us expand. The goal is the same — that people live under our protection, in agreement with our neighbors,” a commander in the militia explained. 

Hossam al-Astal, the leader of SFAT, said his group is committed to keeping Hamas from having a presence in the camp. “Whoever lives under Hamas’s oppression come to us,” al-Astal told The Times of Israel.

Al-Astal says his neighborhood is currently powered with solar panels, but Israel will soon allow electricity and water into the camp. Most Palestinians in Gaza do not have access to power and clean water.