Israel Confirms Arming A Palestinian Clan To Fight Hamas & Loot Aid In Gaza
The weapons are allegedly going to a group in southern Gaza led by Yasser Abu Shabab.
Cover image via New Straits Times / AFPIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that his government has been quietly arming certain clans in Gaza viewed as hostile to Hamas
According to the BBC, Netanyahu responded to the reports in a brief video posted on social media.
"What's wrong with this? It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers… and publicising it only helps Hamas."
The move has sparked intense criticism in Israel.
Image via New Straits Times / AFP
The weapons are reportedly going to a group in southern Gaza led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a clan described by some as a militia and by others as little more than a criminal gang
The group claims its mission is to protect humanitarian aid convoys.
Critics, however, have accused the group of looting the very supplies meant for civilians.
Israeli defence sources have confirmed that the Abu Shabab clan had received Kalashnikov rifles, including some confiscated from Hamas.
Image via New Straits Times / REUTERS
However, clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab denies the allegations entirely
"Our weapons are simple, outdated and came through the support of our own people," he said in an online post.
Meanwhile, tensions in Gaza continue to rise. Hamas-linked sources suggest the group has begun targeting Abu Shabab's men, fearing they may become a destabilising force.
With famine warnings in Gaza and aid distribution already strained, the move risks further chaos and potentially, a new front in an already volatile war.
