In a rare move, the Abu Shabab militia—an armed group that has received weapons from Israel—issued a public statement today (Monday), expressing its disapproval of violence against American aid convoys. It accused “armed gangs” of operating in areas under Hamas control and near American aid distribution centers.
The group gave these gangs a 24-hour ultimatum to “stop their thuggish behavior.” If not, the statement warned, it would publish information revealing their identities and those directing them.
The militia emphasized it has no involvement in the distribution of American aid in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, it praised the work of what it called “the American institution.” The group urged this organization to improve security coordination mechanisms, ensure fair distribution of goods, and rely on official welfare databases.
Abu Shabab’s militia also called on the American institution to report any incidents of violence around its centers and to share information about any groups or individuals “suspected of harming civilians,” so that they could be prosecuted “in competent local and international courts.”
Now: The Organization Seeks to Grow
The statement added that “amid the chaos, collapse, and absence of justice,” the militia would establish community and administrative committees in eastern Rafah as “an organized force serving human dignity.”
The call for volunteers spans all fields: from medicine and engineering to law, communications, programming, education, translation, social services, and civil defense. Volunteering is open to graduates, students, retirees, and professionals of all ages—anyone with the desire and willingness to contribute.
The group stressed that this was “a moral and national position,” and called on the public to join what it described as “the first popular administration that protects the people and builds a dignified future.”
“Popular Forces”: Abu Shabab’s Militia
Yasser Abu Shabab, a native of Rafah and a senior member of the Bedouin Tarabin clan, has in recent weeks begun leading a new organization that claims to “serve only the people of Gaza.”
According to the Telegram channel “Al-Mukhabarat,” Abu Shabab has taken advantage of the recent security vacuum in Gaza to establish local control in the Al-Shouka area, east of Rafah. There, he set up a training camp for his men. Members of the clan are heavily armed and operate openly.
Hostile Toward Hamas, Not a Friend of Zion
Abu Shabab does not hide his hostility toward Hamas and has even publicly threatened to reveal the whereabouts of Hamas members to hostile parties. He claims not to belong to any Palestinian faction, insisting that his sole motivation is “to serve the civilians.”
Although some reports suggest indirect cooperation, it is important to clarify that Abu Shabab is not an ally of Israel. He is a local actor with independent interests. His clan has repeatedly been accused of smuggling into Israel.
