A Palestinian militia group says that it has killed two Hamas operatives in southern Gaza, marking a renewed challenge to the terror group after Israel empowered its rivals in areas under Israeli military control.
The armed group, known as the Popular Forces, says in a statement it had carried out a raid in Rafah, killing two Hamas members who refused to surrender and detaining a third. It shares a photo that it says depicted one of the slain men.
The Popular Forces, founded by an anti-Hamas armed Bedouin leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, is believed to be the largest group operating in Israel-controlled areas. Abu Shabab was killed in December in what the group described as a family feud. He was replaced by his deputy Ghassan Duhine, who vowed no let up in the fight against Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israeli backing for anti-Hamas groups in June, saying Israel had “activated” clans. Israel has given little detail since then.
The Popular Forces deny receiving support from Israel.
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