‘No mercy for Hamas’: the Gaza clans fighting alongside Israel after Abu Shabab’s death

6 comments

1. Submission statement: The article examines the growing anti-Hamas clan militias and armed groups across Gaza following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab.

   Even though he died in an internal dispute, these groups say they will continue fighting Hamas and are trying to take advantage of what they see as the organization’s current weakness to expand their control.

   The Abu Shabab militia in Rafah is now led by Rassan al-Dheini, who is described as tougher and more aggressive than his predecessor. He openly promises “no mercy” for Hamas and says this moment is the “day after the war,” a time when his fighters can act freely and enforce order.

   Several other groups operate in different parts of Gaza.

   In Khan Younis, Hossam al-Astal leads a force that openly opposes Hamas and treats its weakening as a chance for new leadership.

   In Shejaiya, Rami Halas commands a Fatah-affiliated clan group that has opposed Hamas since 2007 and reportedly receives IDF protection.

   In northern Gaza, Ashraf al-Mansi leads the Popular Army–Northern Forces, presenting his campaign as a fight for civilian freedom after Hamas.

   In central Gaza, in Deir al-Balah, Shawqi Abu Nasira heads a new faction that calls for direct confrontation with Hamas and praises anyone who resists it.

   Together, these militias promote what they call the New Gaza project, an effort supported by Israel to strengthen local groups challenging Hamas rule.

   Leaders say they hope to fill the power vacuum and eventually unite under one structure. The article also describes how Abu Shabab’s death stemmed from internal disagreements rather than Hamas action, and how Israel previously tried to protect him from assassination attempts by Hamas.

2. Any neutral source to back up these claims and their significance?

3. Sounds like they are losing

4. Hopefully they succeed, pro-Israeli & Pro-Palestinians alike should be able to agree Hamas should NOT remain in power.

   For Pro-Israelis it’s to guarantee there isn’t another Oct 7 in the future, and for the Pro-Palestinians it’s to put an end to the group starting unfavourable wars and to create a unity government over both the WB & Gaza which can actually behave like a real government. Only way the region sees a lasting peace

5. If they can’t overthrow Hamas before the ceasefire, how do you expect them to do so now? It’s wishful thinking

6. Well, from that article it is quite unclear how exactly “clans fighting”. I was out of the loop for last 2 weeks and did not know Abu Shabab dead. That is really only fact and not at all proof that “clans fighting” – at least fighting Hamas. It looks like all those groups on Israel side of current border in Gaza, not on Hamas side and relevantly useless for a main problem with Hamas still keeping full control of that part. To me that might be more вurden then assets.

Comments are closed.