Hamas Issues Ultimatum to Militia Leaders: Surrender and Receive Amnesty

Tensions between Hamas and rival militias in Gaza escalated sharply this week as the organization issued a ten-day ultimatum demanding that militia members surrender themselves in exchange for promises of amnesty. The move comes in the aftermath of the killing of Yasser Abu Shabab, a senior militia leader whose death has shaken internal power dynamics across the Strip.

Hamas security officials announced that eight militia members had already turned themselves in following the offer, saying the “door remains open” throughout the ten-day period. According to Hamas, individuals who surrender during the window will have their cases resolved according to pre-set procedures.

But in conversations with N12, militia leaders rejected both the ultimatum and Hamas’s claims. Rasan al-Dahini, the successor to Abu Shabab and commander of the Rafah-based militia, denied that any of his men had surrendered. He said the opposite is occurring, asserting that “a new group of people surrendered to us and fled Hamas.” He accused Hamas of lying and declared that militia factions intend to unify in early 2026, saying, “We need to act together.”

In Khan Younis, militia commander Hussam al-Astal also dismissed the possibility of surrender. He issued an ultimatum of his own, stating that Hamas has nine days left to “return” to the militias to face a fair trial. “There is no such thing as us surrendering,” he said. “Many people are contacting me and need to arrive.”

Al-Astal acknowledged that some civilians who cooperate with the militias are now fearful in the wake of Abu Shabab’s death, worried that Hamas will label them collaborators. He said that this heightened pressure has made some hesitant to approach militia positions.

Al-Astal also revealed that he attempted to send a message to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging American support for Gaza residents seeking to “free themselves from Hamas.” He argued that external backing could strengthen the militias’ efforts.

During a Facebook Live broadcast, al-Astal challenged Hamas to prove its claim that many militia members are surrendering. “Show us these people if you speak the truth,” he said. He warned Hamas leaders that the remaining nine days were his ultimatum to them, not the other way around.

He concluded with a sweeping denunciation of Hamas, accusing it of extortion, corruption, and facilitating drug activity in exchange for payments. “Hamas is finished,” he said repeatedly. “Everyone in Gaza knows Hamas is a gang.”