Internal War: Details Emerge on Yasser Abu Shabab's Violent Death in Internal Gaza Feud

Violent End to the Popular Forces Leader

Yasser Abu Shabab, the founder of the "Popular Forces" militia, died from injuries sustained during a violent, internal conflict within the Gaza area. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting he was shot, Israeli security sources later updated that the leader was killed by blows during a brawl with other members of his organization. The immediate cause of the dispute was reportedly an internal schism fueled by his cooperation with Israel.

The wounded Abu Shabab was swiftly moved under Israeli security escort for medical treatment outside of Gaza but was pronounced dead from his injuries en route to Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva. His deputy, Ghassan al-Dheini, is slated to take over the militia’s command.

An emerging report detailed the bloody sequence of events, stating the incident began when Mahmoud Abu Sanima demanded that Abu Shabab release his nephew, who was being held by the militia leader. Abu Shabab allegedly refused the demand "in a humiliating manner," sparking the confrontation. Following the initial clash, Abu Sanima returned armed and opened fire, ultimately leading to Abu Shabab's death.

The violence did not end there. In a brutal act of retribution, a faction loyal to Abu Shabab took Abu Sanima's nephew and executed him on the spot, confirming that the clash was a deep-seated settling of scores. The incident concluded with the death of five individuals from the Abu Sanima family, including Mahmoud himself.

The Fatal Flaw in the 'Clan Fantasy'

The circumstances surrounding Abu Shabab’s death have deeply concerned the Israeli security establishment. Officials fear that his demise deals a severe blow to the "clan fantasy" project, the Israeli strategy of cultivating local militias as a potential military-governance replacement for Hamas in a post-war Gaza.

His death is seen as proof that Hamas's organizational discipline, intelligence grip, and public legitimacy are far stronger than any rival local movement, even those operating under Israeli control. Sources from the Abu Sanima family noted that they had refused to collaborate with Abu Shabab, claiming he was a bully who confiscated their phones and detained family members.

Hamas has swiftly capitalized on the tragedy, celebrating Abu Shabab’s death and framing it as a major achievement that reinforces their continued control. Hamas supporters in Gaza were reported to be distributing sweets in celebration. The terror organization's military court had recently issued an ultimatum demanding Abu Shabab surrender for "treason," and his death fulfills their explicit warning that collaborators would face a "death sentence." Hamas has tried to obscure the internal nature of the fight, spreading claims that Abu Shabab was killed in a joint ambush by "resistance factions," followed by reports of "celebratory gunfire" in the streets of Gaza.

The tragic collapse of the "Popular Forces," a symbolic local partner, is viewed in Israel as a direct consequence of short-sighted policy, where arming and legitimizing certain armed groups led not to a civilian alternative, but to a bloody focal point of internal retribution.