US EditionIsrael Armed Palestinian Militia to Fight Hamas, Officials Say
- On June 7, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel has supplied weapons to certain groups in southern Gaza as part of efforts to counter Hamas.
- This move follows nearly 20 months of conflict with Hamas and was reportedly authorized on the advice of Israeli security officials to support local opposition groups.
- The main recipient is a gang led by Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah, described as a militia opposing Hamas, but also accused of looting UN aid convoys amid Gaza's widespread hunger.
- Israeli defense officials confirmed that the gang was supplied with Kalashnikov rifles, some of which were captured from Hamas, while Abu Shabab denied any Israeli assistance, stating that their arms are basic, old-fashioned, and provided by their own community.
- Critics warn this strategy risks arming unpredictable factions and may create a new security threat in Gaza while aiming to reduce Israeli soldier casualties.
147 Articles
147 Articles
Just When I Thought That Netanyahu Could Not Disgust Me Any More........
A Palestinian Militia in Gaza Is Not a Solution — Haaretz On Thursday, the Prime Minister's Office refused to respond to lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman's accusation that "Israel is supplying assault rifles and light arms to crime families in Gaza on the...
Israel is arming Palestinian opponents of Hamas and is now threatening even more chaos in the Gaza Strip. The strategy is reminiscent of Netanyahu's previous mistakes and could avenge himself.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." This old proverb born of the need for a short-term alliance at the front of the military and political battle usually goes...
The Israeli authorities recognize supporting and arming a Palestinian clan opposed to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, claiming that it serves their "goals of war" and "save lives of soldiers" engaged in the offensive against the Islamist movement in the Palestinian territory. ...
In Rafah, in the south of the enclave, Hamas faces the rise of a rival group, commanded by a gang leader and supported by Israel. The Islamist movement responded with a campaign of terror aimed at this opposition.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
