Mon Dec 08 09:20:45 UTC 2025: News Article:

Al-Duhaini Vows to Continue Anti-Hamas Campaign After Militia Leader’s Death

Rafah, Gaza – Ghassan al-Duhaini has assumed leadership of the “Popular Forces” militia in Rafah, following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab. Abu Shabab, who was reportedly killed during a family dispute mediation last Thursday, had been widely viewed as a collaborator with Israel.

Al-Duhaini, 39, a former officer in the Palestinian Authority security forces and later a member of Jaysh al-Islam, appeared in a video pledging to continue the group’s fight against Hamas. “Why would I fear Hamas when I am fighting Hamas? I fight them, arrest their people, seize their equipment … in the name of the people and the free,” he stated in an interview with Israeli media.

Palestinian media sources suggest al-Duhaini was the de facto leader of the group for some time, with Abu Shabab serving as its public face. Hamas has designated al-Duhaini as a wanted man, accusing him of collaborating with Israel and looting aid. The “Popular Forces,” estimated to have between 100 and 300 fighters, operates near Israeli military sites in Rafah. Reports suggest the group was armed and overseen by the Israeli army as part of a “pilot project” to test an alternative governance model to Hamas. However, some Israeli officials question the group’s credibility as a replacement for Hamas. Abu Shabab was also implicated in the looting of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, according to a UN memo.

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