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