Sources confirm Israel arming Gazan gang to bolster opposition to Hamas

Israel provided members of an armed group in Gaza with Kalashnikov rifles to protect themselves against Hamas, as part of an effort to strengthen opposition groups in the Strip, the Israeli military censor permits for publication.

The group, which is sometimes described as a militia and sometimes as a criminal gang, is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a member of a large clan in southern Gaza.

The weapons that Israel provided to Abu Shabab’s gang included some that Israel seized from Hamas during the war, defense sources say.

The militia is operating in Rafah, in an area that is under Israeli military control. Last week, Hamas published a video showing it targeting members of the group.

Abu Shabab claims to be securing humanitarian aid convoys entering Gaza, while some have accused his gang of looting them.

The arming of Abu Shabab was carried out without the approval of Israel’s security cabinet. It was led by Israeli security bodies, and was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to defense sources.