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Israel-Armed Gaza Militia Loses 50 Fighters in Clashes with Hamas

The confrontations in eastern Rafah highlight mounting risks of wider unrest as Israel backs Yasser Abu Shabab’s faction

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Overview

  • Israel has equipped the Anti-Terror Service led by Yasser Abu Shabab with assault rifles to undercut Hamas influence in Gaza
  • Hamas forces have killed more than 50 members of the militia over recent weeks as the two sides vie for control of Rafah
  • This week Israeli soldiers engaged Hamas fighters to protect Abu Shabab and an air force drone struck Hamas militants in support of the militia
  • Abu Shabab’s group controls checkpoints on aid routes near the Kerem Shalom crossing and oversees the distribution of humanitarian supplies
  • Analysts warn that the armed standoff between rival Palestinian factions could spiral into a civil conflict, exacerbating civilian hardship