Despite declarations by senior officials and the Abu Shabab militia itself, Walla learned on Sunday that the militia has begun securing access routes to humanitarian aid centers in Rafah and providing protection for aid convoys with weapons supplied by Israel.

The government and senior security officials reportedly approved the transfer of Kalashnikov rifles, pistols, and ammunition to the militia, headed by Yasser Abu Shabab, a 31-year-old Bedouin from the Tarabin tribe in Rafah. Abu Shabab previously maintained extensive ties in the Sinai Peninsula and was involved in smuggling drugs from Sinai into the Gaza Strip.

This is despite Abu Shabab's own statements denying collaboration with Israel in an interview with Army Radio on Sunday.

Over the years, his tribe has experienced tensions with Hamas over control of smuggling operations into Gaza. Before the war, Hamas security forces arrested him, but he was later released.

Security sources indicate that during the conflict, there were discussions about introducing alternatives to Hamas rule in Gaza, including personnel from the Palestinian Authority or figures from Fatah. All such proposals were reportedly dismissed outright.

Image of militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
Image of militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab. (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
The concept of using Yasser Abu Shabab’s militia was approved because it was already an existing, anti-Hamas armed group independent of Israeli assistance. Contrary to some reports, it is not connected to ISIS or extremist Salafi groups.

Abu Shabab militia’s growing influence in Rafah

Notably, the militia was already armed prior to the current conflict. Members of the militia, all from the same tribe, have long opposed Hamas’ rule in the area. The militia has been defined as an armed group even before the start of the war.

In the Rafah area, very few terrorists remain, and most of the terror infrastructure has been dismantled. This improved security situation now allows for easier control of the area without Hamas governance.

IDF aims to weaken Hamas hold in Rafah

The IDF is working to create a tangible and visible alternative for the Palestinian population so that residents can see for themselves that Hamas’ governance is crumbling. If successful, this model may be replicated in other areas cleared by the Israel Defense Forces.

The militia is currently involved in securing humanitarian aid centers, where food packages are distributed to Palestinians, protecting aid convoys, and fighting Hamas.

Could Hamas collapse spark Palestinian resistance?

Security sources suggest that once the Palestinian public sees armed groups on the ground actively opposing Hamas—and representing a serious and stable alternative—residents may begin to resist Hamas themselves and even join the armed resistance.

Officials estimate that Hamas is currently significantly weakened and at its lowest point in terms of governance and military capability.