Particle.news
Download on the App Store

WSJ: Israel Quietly Aiding Gaza Militias Fighting Hamas

The report cites Israeli sources describing covert aid under a cease-fire restricting direct operations.

Overview

  • Israeli sources and reservists told the Wall Street Journal the groups receive drone overwatch, shared intelligence, weapons, food, and cigarettes, with some wounded flown to Israeli hospitals.
  • The militias consist of dozens of armed residents based east of the Yellow Line who cross into Hamas-controlled areas to carry out attacks.
  • Former Gaza Division operations officer Yaron Buskila said Israel monitors their actions and at times steps in to protect them, chiefly by supplying information.
  • Militia leader Hussam Al-Astal vowed more attacks on Hamas figures and denied receiving help beyond food as Hamas labeled his men collaborators after a police officer was killed.
  • The IDF and Shin Bet declined to comment on the report, and a retired major general cautioned that militias may pursue their own interests and could turn against their backers.