Overview
- The Popular Forces militia confirmed Abu Shabab’s death and said he was killed while trying to resolve a local dispute.
- Reports say he was wounded in a clan-related confrontation, evacuated to a hospital in southern Israel, and later died of his injuries.
- Abu Shabab led an anti-Hamas force in eastern Rafah that reportedly cooperated with Israel, escorted aid, and operated from Israeli-controlled areas after the October ceasefire.
- The militia vowed to continue operations against Hamas, pledging to pursue security for civilians despite his death.
- Haaretz analysis argues the incident highlights that Israel cannot dictate Gaza’s next leadership given the rise of clan militias and competing local authorities.