Inside the Secret Operation: How Local Gaza Militias Are Collaborating with the IDF

A significant shift in the internal security landscape of the Gaza Strip has been observed as multiple armed militias, described as pro-Israel, have begun operating in residential areas previously held by Hamas. These groups are reportedly coordinating their actions and performing raids on neighborhoods such as Zeitoun in Gaza City and central Khan Yunis. Their operations are often carried out under the cover of Israeli drones and involve a mixture of tactical maneuvers and efforts to integrate with the local population, such as distributing cigarettes and supplies to residents. This activity is part of a broader effort to expand the territory controlled by the IDF and push the designated yellow line further west into the heart of the Strip.

According to reports, these militias have conducted operations where residents were temporarily moved to secure areas while targeted arrests were made of suspected Hamas operatives. A security official from Hamas has accused these groups of implementing Israeli plans to undermine the internal front and force residents to leave their homes near the front lines. The official claimed that these militias serve as tools for Israel to sow chaos within Gaza without exposing IDF soldiers to direct danger, noting that meetings between Israeli intelligence officers and militia leaders have reportedly taken place in military camps along the border.

The composition of these militias is varied, with many members having a history of security-related arrests prior to the current war. It is estimated that between 700 and 1,000 armed men are currently affiliated with these different groups, which are led by local figures across various districts of the Strip. While some tribal leaders and mukhtars have publicly rejected any behavior that serves Israel, the influence of these militias continues to grow as the traditional Hamas governance structure remains under constant military pressure. Data indicates that the percentage of land under Israeli control has increased from 53% to 58% in recent months, a trend that is accelerated by the activities of these local armed factions as they help redefine the boundaries of the war.