Hamas gives Abu Shabab clan boss 10 days to surrender

The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza says the leader of a clan supported by Israel operating in the Rafah area must turn himself in to the “relevant authorities” — i.e., Hamas — for prosecution within 10 days.

In a statement, Yasser Abu Shabab, an armed gang leader opposed to Hamas, is accused of treason, forming an illegal armed gang, and leading an armed rebellion.

The Abu Shabab clan operates in western Rafah, an area under Israeli security control. According to footage published by the clan, it has been securing humanitarian aid entering the area and has even established residential compounds. Israel recently acknowledged that it had transferred weapons to local actors as part of its effort to weaken Hamas, after reports that it had armed Abu Shabab.

The statement does not specify what measures would be taken if Abu Shabab fails to surrender to Hamas. Gazan media outlets have reported in recent weeks that Hamas has attempted unsuccessfully to assassinate Yasser Abu Shabab, whose gang is thought to have previously been involved in drug running and aid looting.

The ministry also called on the public to come forward with any information regarding his whereabouts.

Hamas rules Gaza with an iron fist, and while it allows the presence of smaller groups and various local clan power structures, it has allowed little space for political dissent or support for Israel, executing Gazans who have protested the terror group’s control of the Strip and many others it accuses of collaboration.