Top Israeli-Backed Militia Leader Reportedly Killed in Gaza — A Setback for Post-War Plans

Israeli-Backed Militia Leader Yasser Abu Shabab Reportedly Killed in Gaza

Three Israeli sources told CNN that Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of an Israeli-backed militia that controlled a small area in Rafah, southern Gaza, has been killed. One source described his death as resulting from "internal clashes." Two of the sources said Israel attempted to evacuate Abu Shabab to a hospital in southern Israel before he was pronounced dead.

Conflicting Reports: A message posted on Facebook from the account of Abu Shabab's deputy, Ghassan al-Dahini, denied that he had been killed. At the time of reporting, Hamas had not issued an immediate comment on the reports. A Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel, however, posted: "Like we told you, Israel will not protect you."

Role and Significance: Abu Shabab, in his early 30s, led the most prominent of several loosely organized Palestinian armed groups that have received backing from Israel. He called his force the "Popular Forces" and claimed it numbered in the hundreds. His fighters reportedly secured a small Israeli-occupied enclave in southern Gaza, carried out raids into Hamas-held areas, and helped oversee aid flows through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Israeli officials reportedly saw Abu Shabab's militia as a tool to weaken Hamas and as an alternative local authority to manage reconstruction projects under parts of Israeli control as envisioned in the next phase of a ceasefire arrangement. Critics, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political opponents, condemned the arming of such groups; some rivals likened the militias to extremist organizations. Netanyahu, conversely, described the groups as "a good thing."

Political and Security Context: According to two Israeli officials who spoke to CNN in June, the operation to arm these militias — including Abu Shabab's — was carried out without full security cabinet approval. The reported death therefore raises questions about Israel's ability to rely on these proxies for post-war stabilization and reconstruction plans in Gaza.

Images and Reactions: Photographs circulating on Gaza messaging groups showed some Palestinians celebrating Abu Shabab's reported death; one image obtained by CNN marked his face with a red "X" and labeled him a "pig."

What’s Next: The situation remains fluid: sources conflict over whether Abu Shabab is dead, and independent confirmation is limited. If confirmed, his death could complicate Israel's plans for local partners in southern Gaza and add uncertainty to the enclave's post-war governance.

Sources: CNN reporting citing three Israeli sources, statements circulated via social media, and comments from analysts familiar with Gaza dynamics.