Anti-Hamas factions in Israeli-held Gaza, now with 1,000 fighters, pledge to continue despite leader’s death, complicating post-war stability efforts.
GAZA STRIP: Groups operating from Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza have vowed to continue fighting Hamas despite the killing of their most prominent commander.
The factions report gaining hundreds of new recruits since an October ceasefire as they seek a role in the enclave’s shattered future.
Their emergence adds pressure on Hamas and complicates efforts to stabilise a Gaza divided by two years of war.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israeli backing for the groups in June, saying Israel had “activated” clans.
Last week, commander Yasser Abu Shabab of the Popular Forces was killed in Rafah, with his group stating he died mediating a family feud.
His deputy, Ghassan Duhine, has taken over leadership and pledged to continue on the same path.
Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, brands these groups as collaborators, a view Palestinian analysts say is widely shared.
It has killed dozens of Palestinians since the ceasefire, including some accused of working with Israel.
Four Hamas sources said the group still commands thousands of men in its areas despite heavy wartime losses.
Israel still holds over half of Gaza, where Hamas’ foes operate beyond its reach.
Three Egyptian security sources said Israel-backed groups had increased activities since the ceasefire.
They estimated the factions now have 1,000 fighters, adding 400 since the truce.
The Egyptian sources expect the groups to further step up activities without a comprehensive deal on Gaza’s future.
A diplomat said the anti-Hamas groups lack a popular constituency but raise stability concerns.
Videos posted since Abu Shabab’s death show dozens of fighters assembled as commanders vow to continue.
One video shows Duhine telling fighters they will “continue on this path and move with the same strength”.
Reuters verified the footage’s location as Rafah Governorate, an area where Israeli forces remain deployed.
Duhine announced the execution of two men he identified as Hamas militants in late November.
A Hamas-led coalition security official said such actions do not “alter the realities on the ground”.
Another faction leader, Hussam Alastal, said he and Duhine agreed “the war on terror will continue”.
“Our project, new Gaza … will move ahead,” Alastal told Reuters by phone.
Alastal said his group received arms and money from international “friends” but denied Israeli military backing.
He acknowledged contacts with Israel over coordinating the entry of food and resources.
Alastal said his group added recruits since the truce and now has several hundred members.
Israel says it aims to ensure Hamas is disarmed and has no future governing role.
An Israeli government official said there is “no shortage of Palestinians wishing and actively fighting to free themselves of the Hamas repression”.
Hamas said Abu Shabab’s death was the “inevitable fate of all those who betrayed their people”.
A Hamas spokesperson said security forces would pursue collaborators “until this phenomenon is eradicated”.
He added they “are protected by the occupation army” in areas where Israeli forces are present.
With no clarity on next steps, a risk of de facto partition exists in Gaza.
Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Israel has “control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip”.
“The Yellow Line is a new border line — serving as a forward defensive line,” he said on a Sunday tour.
Anti-Hamas groups cite goals like establishing secure areas for displaced Gazans.
US officials have discussed creating “Alternative Safe Communities” housing compounds in places like Rafah.
A US State Department spokesperson said the US is working with partners to provide housing and services.
A US official said America has had no official contact with the anti-Hamas groups.
“We are not going to be picking winners or losers in Gaza,” the official stated.
The official added that beyond Hamas having no role, “who will govern Gaza will be up to Gazans”.
Some Palestinians in Khan Younis celebrated Abu Shabab’s death by distributing sweets.
A Palestinian lecturer said the anti-Hamas groups have no future as they are viewed as collaborators.
“Israel is using them only for tactical reasons, particularly to try to destabilize Hamas control,” he said.
A Fatah Movement spokesperson rejected any Israeli-backed armed groups in Gaza.
The spokesperson said such factions have “nothing to do with our people and their cause”.
