Gangs of Gaza: The Drug Dealer, the Israeli Guns, and a New Proxy War
Executive Summary
A violent and enigmatic new force has emerged in southern Gaza under the leadership of Yasser Abu Shabab, a former drug trafficker turned militia commander. Backed by Israel and accused of ties to ISIS, his militia—branded the “Popular Forces”—is allegedly being armed to challenge Hamas. But as accusations of aid theft, Israeli collaboration, and clan betrayal swirl, many fear that this gambit could spark a Palestinian civil war and plunge Gaza into deeper chaos.
Analysis
Yasser Abu Shabab, a once-imprisoned Gaza gangster, has resurfaced as the unlikely commander of an Israeli-backed militia now operating openly in Rafah. Once serving a 25-year sentence for drug trafficking under Hamas’ rule, he escaped during the chaos of the October 2023 war. Now, he’s leading the Popular Forces (PF), a group Israel admits to “activating” to counter Hamas in a high-stakes bid to reduce IDF casualties.
What began as whispers of Israeli collaboration were publicly confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who justified the alliance as a necessary strategy. Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman was less forgiving—he accused Netanyahu of arming “ISIS-like” elements. Despite widespread denials from Abu Shabab, multiple reports confirm that his group has received Israeli weapons, including seized Hamas rifles, and is involved in securing food aid convoys run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The militia operates under a guise of humanitarianism, claiming to protect civilians and aid supplies. But videos verified by international media show the group in IDF-controlled zones, armed and outfitted, operating checkpoints. Hamas sees them as collaborators and has already killed several of their members. An Israeli airstrike reportedly provided cover for their retreat, reinforcing the perception of coordination.
The chaos deepened when the Abu Shabab family publicly disowned their notorious relative. In a scathing statement, clan elders condemned Yasser as a traitor, accused him of deceiving them, and invited Palestinians to treat him as a legitimate target. The family banishment—a rare and powerful rebuke in Bedouin culture—adds cultural gravity to the political scandal.
Critics across Israel and the Palestinian territories warn that the rise of this Israeli-backed gang could ignite intra-Palestinian conflict. With many of its 300 members reportedly recruited through PA channels, and some suspected of past jihadist ties, the PF’s emergence risks escalating Gaza’s already complex battlefield into civil war territory. As humanitarian convoys remain contested, and GHF distances itself from the militia, aid distribution in Rafah hangs in the balance.
This controversial “divide and rule” strategy mirrors Israel’s historic support for Hamas to weaken the Palestinian Authority—a plan that ultimately backfired with Hamas’ rise to power. Analysts warn history may be repeating itself, this time with a criminal warlord at the helm.
