From Israeli-held zones in Gaza, foes of Hamas seek lasting role

Groups operating from Israeli-held areas of Gaza say they will continue to fight Hamas despite the killing of their most prominent commander. These groups have reported an increase in recruits since an October ceasefire as they aim to play a role in Gaza's future.

Although still small and localized, the emergence of these anti-Hamas factions has added pressure on the Islamist group and could complicate efforts to stabilize and unify a Gaza already fractured by two years of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged backing for anti-Hamas groups in June, saying Israel had "activated" clans, but provided few details since then.

Last week, Yasser Abu Shabab, the central figure in efforts to organize anti-Hamas forces, was killed in southern Gaza’s Rafah area. His group, the Popular Forces, said he died while mediating a family dispute but did not disclose who was responsible. His deputy, Ghassan Duhine, has taken over leadership and vowed to continue their mission.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 and has refused to disarm under the ceasefire, labeled these groups as collaborators—a sentiment broadly shared by Palestinians, analysts say. Following the U.S.-backed ceasefire, Hamas moved swiftly against Palestinians defying its control, killing dozens, including some accused of working with Israel.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents live under Hamas control, where four Hamas sources confirmed the group continues to command thousands of fighters despite suffering heavy losses in the war. Meanwhile, Israel still holds over half of Gaza, where anti-Hamas groups operate outside Hamas’ reach. With the slow progress of former President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, there is no immediate prospect of further Israeli withdrawals.

Three Egyptian security and military sources said Israel-backed groups had increased activities since the ceasefire and now number around 1,000 fighters—an increase of about 400 since the truce. Egypt, bordering Gaza, has played a key role in negotiations and expects these groups to intensify operations in the absence of a comprehensive Gaza deal.

Fighters Assemble and Pledge Continuation

Since Abu Shabab’s death, his group and two others have released videos showing fighters assembled, praising him as a martyr, and vowing to continue their mission. One video dated December 5 shows Duhine telling fighters that Abu Shabab’s death was a "grave loss" and that they would "continue on this path and move with the same strength and even more strength." Reuters verified the location as Rafah Governorate, an area of Gaza where Israeli forces remain deployed.

On December 7, Duhine announced that two men identified as Hamas militants were executed in late November after allegedly killing a member of his group. A Hamas-led coalition security official described such actions as not altering “the realities on the ground.”

Hussam Alastal, leader of another anti-Hamas faction in Khan Younis, said he and Duhine agreed that the "war on terror will continue" during a visit to Abu Shabab’s grave. He added that his group had received support from international “friends,” while denying Israeli military backing but acknowledging coordination with Israel for humanitarian needs. Alastal said the group has grown since the truce, now including several hundred fighters and civilians.

Hamas Response and U.S. Position

Israel maintains that its goal is to disarm Hamas, which initiated the war with its October 7, 2023 attack, and prevent it from governing Gaza in the future. A government official stated, "There is no shortage of Palestinians wishing and actively fighting to free themselves of the Hamas repression and tyranny."

Hamas described Abu Shabab’s death as the "inevitable fate of all those who betrayed their people and homeland" but denied involvement in his killing. The group continues to target collaborators, with spokesperson Hazem Qassem vowing their eradication, while noting difficulties caused by the presence of anti-Hamas forces in Israeli-controlled areas.

U.S. officials confirmed they have had no official contact with the anti-Hamas groups and are not providing funding or support. "We are not going to be picking winners or losers in Gaza," a U.S. official said, adding that governance in Gaza will ultimately be decided by Gazans themselves.

Potential Gaza Restructuring

Trump’s plan envisions disarming Hamas, establishing a transitional authority, deploying a multinational force, and rebuilding Gaza. However, with no clarity on next steps, there is a risk of de facto partition: Israel controls an inland sector, while the coastal sector remains overcrowded with displaced residents.

Touring Gaza, Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Israel has "control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defense lines," describing the “Yellow Line” as a forward defensive and operational boundary.

Anti-Hamas groups cite securing areas for displaced Gazans as a key goal. U.S. officials said reconstruction funds could support housing in Israeli-controlled zones, with Rafah among the first sites identified for “Alternative Safe Communities.”

Challenges to Hamas Control

News of Abu Shabab’s death sparked celebrations in Khan Younis, with some Palestinians distributing sweets. Ghassan al-Khatib, a lecturer at Birzeit University, noted that while Hamas’ popularity has declined due to war impacts, anti-Hamas groups lack legitimacy among Palestinians, who see them as collaborators.

A Fatah spokesperson echoed this view, rejecting any armed groups backed by Israel as unrelated to the Palestinian cause. -Aidan Lewis/Reuters