Israel’s Support for Anti-Hamas Militias: A New Era in Gaza
While Israel has reportedly agreed to halt military operations in Gaza, it continues to provide backing for armed groups determined to combat Hamas. For the first time, Sky News has confirmed that four anti-Hamas militias, operating from areas still under Israeli control, are receiving support from Israel as part of a collaborative effort to oust Hamas from power. These groups are based behind the "yellow line," a boundary established for Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troop movements as part of the ceasefire agreement.
Hossam al Astal, the leader of one of these militias, stated, "We have an official project — myself, [Yasser] Abu Shabab, [Rami] Halas, and [Ashraf] al Mansi. We are all united for ‘The New Gaza.’ Soon, we will achieve complete control of the Gaza Strip and operate under a single umbrella." Al Astal spoke to Sky News from his base near Khan Younis, revealing that his militia is actively preparing for a new governance structure in Gaza.
The regions currently occupied by these militias have been transformed from once-thriving neighborhoods into a landscape of rubble and military fortifications. Al Astal shared his personal journey, having fled the area in 2010 due to persecution by Hamas. After spending over a decade abroad, he returned to Gaza, only to face accusations from Hamas that led to a death sentence in absentia.
Since the escalation of conflict, al Astal and his militia seized the opportunity to escape prison during the turmoil. He describes how his group acquires weapons through black market channels, while ammunition and vehicles are delivered via the Kerem Shalom border crossing, coordinated with the Israeli military.
Al Astal explained that their operations include providing essential supplies to local families, stating, "We currently support around 30 families with basic medical and educational resources. Children receive healthy food, while others in different areas struggle to survive on minimal rations." This humanitarian effort is supplemented by regular deliveries of goods, visibly documented in recent footage.
Sky News has also confirmed that other militias in northern Gaza are receiving supplies from Israel, further indicating an intricate web of military coordination. These groups communicate indirectly with the IDF through the District Coordination Office, which includes officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA), Palestine’s internationally recognized government.
While al Astal acknowledges logistical support from Israel, he denies any military coordination with the IDF, despite claims from Hamas of direct collaboration. He emphasized that any Israeli airstrikes were not orchestrated by his militia but targeted Hamas forces nearby. Al Astal expressed frustration over accusations of collaboration, pointing out the tragic loss of his daughter due to an Israeli strike intended for Hamas.
Additionally, reports suggest that these militias are receiving external support, including potential backing from Arab countries. Al Astal hinted at such assistance, stating, "Yes, there are Arab countries that support our project," which he refers to as "The New Gaza," envisioning a peaceful future free from Hamas and terrorism.
As discussions about Gaza’s reconstruction emerge, figures like Jared Kushner have underscored the need to separate areas controlled by Hamas from those under new governance. The IDF has not commented on these developments, and inquiries directed to Hamas, the PA, and other relevant agencies have gone unanswered.
This evolving situation in Gaza showcases a complex interplay of local and international dynamics as new alliances form in the fight against Hamas, raising questions about the future governance and stability of the region.
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