Five Local Militias Mobilize
"The Gentle One is Gone": Succession Shock as Ruthless Commander Takes Anti-Hamas Helm
Despite the death of their founding leader in an internal dispute, anti-Hamas militias in Gaza are escalating their fight, vowing to exploit the terror group's weakness and pursue its operatives until their "last day," revealing a map of local power centers that challenge Hamas control.
New Leadership, Harder Line Against Terror
The death of Yasser Abu Shabab, a key leader in the armed opposition to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has not slowed the momentum of local militias and clan leaders determined to overthrow the terror organization. Abu Shabab was killed last Thursday in an internal altercation within the militia he commanded in Rafah, reportedly dying from blows rather than gunfire, a detail his forces downplayed by claiming he was shot while mediating a dispute.
Following his death, Abu Shabab’s deputy, Ghassan al-Dhaini, has stepped up to lead the force. Reports from Gaza suggest a notable shift in tone, summarized by the common expression: "The gentle one is gone – the crazy one is here." Abu Shabab was described as "gentle-spirited" and less harsh than his successor.
Al-Dhaini has taken the helm with high motivation and determination, publicly stating a hardened stance against the terror group: "There will be no mercy for Hamas operatives. Not today, and not until their last day." Al-Dhaini views the current weakness of Hamas following two years of war with the IDF as a crucial opportunity for the militias to operate with greater freedom and secure control in pockets across the Gaza Strip. He is already describing the current situation as "the day after the war," emphasizing a focus on order and calculated logistics.
The Map of Anti-Hamas Power Centers
The goal of the militias and local clans, to capitalize on Hamas's reduced control and fill the power vacuum, is now being pursued across the length of the Gaza Strip. The following groups and leaders are actively pursuing control and challenging Hamas authority:
Husam al-Astal, the militia head in Khan Younis, acknowledged Abu Shabab's death as a heavy blow but stressed that the anti-Hamas groups will "continue to operate and work as usual," endorsing al-Dhaini as a worthy successor.
The Vision of "New Gaza"
The leadership of these militias is united in its rhetoric, framing its struggle as essential for the Palestinian people's freedom from terror. Ashraf al-Mansi and Shuki Abu-Nsira both portray any opponent of Hamas as a "hero," dedicated to securing a "new and more just future" for the people of Gaza.
The collective efforts of these armed groups are part of a larger project, which has been described as "New Gaza." As recently as late October, al-Astal publicly stated that he, Abu Shabib, Halas, and al-Mansi were all committed to this vision, believing they would soon gain full control and "gather under one umbrella."
Despite the leadership change, the Popular Forces have demonstrated their resolve. Al-Dhaini led a show of force, affirming to his fighters, "We will fight the last remnants until the last of the terrorists, young or old, no matter who." He proclaimed that the largest tribute to Abu Shabib's legacy is the continuation of their fight for a safe and peaceful life, declaring that their "morale is sky high."