Hamas Celebrates: Terror Group Gloats Over Death of Anti-Hamas Militia Leader Yasser Abu Shabib

A Fatal Message to "Collaborators"

The terrorist organization Hamas made no effort to conceal its delight following the demise of Yasser Abu Shabab, a prominent leader of anti-Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip. The group issued an official statement congratulating those involved in his death and sending a clear, chilling message to anyone seeking to challenge its authority or cooperate with Israel.

Regarding Abu Shabab, Hamas declared that his fate was the "inevitable destiny for anyone who betrays his people" and chooses to serve the "enemy."

The statement went further, asserting: "The occupation, which failed to protect its agents, will not be able to protect any of its employees, and we confirm that the fate of anyone who interferes with the security of his people and serves his enemy is to fall into the trap of history, and lose all honor or status in his society."

Hamas added that it "appreciates the position of the families, tribes, and clans who disavowed Abu Shabib and all those involved in attacking their people or collaborating with the occupation, and who removed the tribal and social cover from this isolated group that only represents itself."

The "Symbol of Betrayal"

Yasser Abu Shabab had emerged in recent months as a powerful and visible figure among opponents of Hamas within Gaza. He led an armed force that actively sought to undermine Hamas control, reportedly working in cooperation with Israel.

In the eyes of Hamas and its supporters, Abu Shabab was branded as the "symbol of betrayal" against the residents of Gaza and the entire idea of "Palestinian resistance." This made his elimination a top priority for the terror group as it struggled to reassert its governance in the territory.

Abu Shabab and his men are often referred to in the Gaza street by the derogatory term "Murtaqa", mercenaries. These local elements, sometimes with criminal backgrounds or affiliations with the Palestinian Authority, were reportedly armed to fight Hamas. While similar attempts to establish local power bases have been observed in northern and central Gaza, Abu Shabab was considered the foremost and most significant among them.

Hunting the Hunters

Before his death, Abu Shabab’s men were actively engaged in hunting down Hamas terrorists in Rafah. Exclusive footage provided to an Israeli news outlet by Abu Shabab shortly before his death confirmed the dire state of the Hamas terrorists on the ground.

In one photo, Abu Shabab's deputy, Ghassan Al-Dihini, was seen next to captured Hamas terrorists who appeared exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and disheveled. The footage supports reports of the terrorists' deteriorating condition in the field.

In a video revealed recently, a captured terrorist stated: "The Islamic Jihad and Hamas brigades abandoned us, and did not provide logistical support, food, or drink, because of their personal interests." This testimony highlights the internal fractures and logistical failures Abu Shabab’s militia was attempting to exploit before its leader was eliminated.