Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of a notorious Gaza militia accused of collaborating with Israel and seizing humanitarian aid, has been killed, Israeli media report.

The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain uncertain, raising questions over internal clashes and accountability.

Israeli Channel 14 first reported Abu Shabab’s death on Thursday, with Channel 12 adding that he was killed in clashes with other Gaza clans and later pronounced dead at Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel.

Abu Shabab led the so-called Popular Forces group, infamous for allegedly stealing the limited aid Israel allowed into Gaza. During Israel’s military operations, his group became a symbol of internal conflict, as authorities reportedly cooperated with him to form a local anti-Hamas counterforce.

Allegations and infamy

Abu Shabab and his group were reportedly involved in drug trafficking and the deliberate blocking of aid trucks, leaving displaced families in northern Gaza vulnerable to famine and starvation. Experts suggest that his rise reflects Israel’s long-standing approach of supporting armed Palestinian factions to undermine internal political movements and resistance.

In July, a Hamas-linked court had given him 10 days to surrender on charges of treason, collaborating with hostile entities, forming an armed gang, and armed rebellion. Abu Shabab had also been jailed previously by Hamas on drug-related charges.

Reactions from Hamas and Israeli sources

Hamas-affiliated security force Radaa posted a photo of Abu Shabab on Telegram with the caption: “As we told you, ‘Israel won’t protect you.’”

Israeli authorities have framed Abu Shabab as part of efforts to counter Hamas in Gaza. Despite this, the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, leaving analysts questioning whether internal rivalries or Israeli operations were involved.

The looting of aid by Abu Shabab’s group came amid Israel’s blockade of Gaza, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 70,100 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which began in October 2023.

His death highlights the deep-seated challenges within Gaza, including governance issues, armed faction rivalries, and the struggle to deliver humanitarian relief under ongoing conflict.