Netanyahu Acknowledges Israel Armed Local Militias in Gaza to Undermine Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly confirmed, for the first time, that Israel provided support to armed factions inside Gaza as part of a strategy to weaken Hamas. The revelation has sparked widespread criticism, including from within Israel, and raised serious concerns among humanitarian groups.
In a video posted on social media on Thursday, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli government had “activated” powerful clan-based groups in Gaza following recommendations from security officials. The admission aligns with recent claims made by former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who denounced the covert policy.
An Israeli official cited by the Associated Press identified one such group as the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab of the Rafah clan. This group has reportedly been involved in the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid distribution body backed by the U.S. and protected by Israeli forces.
This marks the first official acknowledgment of Israeli ties with these groups, which humanitarian organisations have accused of criminal behavior, including looting aid meant for civilians. Critics argue that the tactic has contributed to instability and violence, undermining the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the war-torn enclave.
“This is causing internal political unrest,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut from Amman. “Many view these groups as criminal gangs armed by Israel, without broader governmental consensus.”
Aid Distribution Sites Suspended
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, central to the current aid programme, announced it had closed all distribution sites amid ongoing security threats. The group, backed by the United States and Israel, advised civilians to avoid the aid hubs for safety reasons.
The shutdown follows a week of deadly chaos, where Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Palestinian civilians gathered to receive aid. Two GHF sites reopened briefly on Thursday but later suspended operations again.
International humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, have sharply criticized the GHF for its operations. They argue that bypassing long-standing distribution networks has endangered civilians and worsened the humanitarian crisis. However, U.S. and Israeli officials claim the alternative networks were infiltrated by Hamas and justified the new strategy as a safeguard.
Gaza Marks Eid Amid Crisis
Despite the ongoing conflict and worsening conditions, Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank marked Eid al-Adha on Friday. The Islamic holiday, one of the most sacred in the Muslim calendar, unfolded under a cloud of uncertainty and grief, highlighting the growing humanitarian challenges facing millions of civilians.
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