Israel Has ‘Activated’ Anti-Hamas Palestinian Clans In Gaza: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (5 June) said that Israel has “activated” certain Palestinian clans in Gaza that are opposed to Hamas, The Hindu reported.

The Israeli PM's comments on social media, marks the first public acknowledgment of Israeli support for armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, based around powerful clans or extended families.

The specific role of these clans and the nature of the support being offered by Israel remain unclear.

In a video posted on X, Netanyahu said the move was made on the advice of “security officials” to protect the lives of Israeli soldiers.

According to The Hindu report, one of the groups referenced is led by Yasser Abu Shabab in southern Gaza's Rafah area.

Known as the Popular Forces, the group recently described itself as a “nationalist force” working to protect humanitarian aid distribution.

Abu Shabab and around 100 fighters are reported to be operating in Israeli-controlled parts of Rafah and Khan Younis.

However, the group has been accused by Palestinian civilians and aid workers of looting aid convoys.

The Abu Shabab family issued a statement distancing itself from Yasser, stating he and his followers are no longer associated with the family.

Aid agencies have claimed that efforts to negotiate with the group to stop looting have failed.