A Palestinian militia emerged in the Gaza Strip to combat and release the Enclave from Hamas. The group, which called itself as a popular force, operates in the east of Rafah and has a logistical support from Israel, which provides weaponry and supplies to the militia.
According to information from the international press, the militia consists of about 300 non -professional volunteers who work to protect the UN UN Humanitarian aid trains from the extremist group. The operations began in June 2024, but were intensified with coordinated actions with the Israeli army.
The relationship between popular force and Israel is seeing by the media as a form of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of strengthening opposing forces to Hamas amid chaos and the vacuum of power in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, part of the Enclave population questions whether support for militia is in fact the best option, as the group is not described as democratic and peacemaker.
Group leader Yasser Abu Shabab has a relatively extensive criminal history, facing a series of accusations of drug trafficking and cigarettes from Egypt and Israel to Palestinian territory. He was arrested by Hamas, but was released after the attacks of October 7, 2023.
Possible new ceasefire
Amid Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip, the international community awaits the announcement of a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Negotiations are advancing slowly, but showed signs of advances after Benjamin Netanyahu meets twice in less than 24 hours with US President Donald Trump.
United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff traveled to Doha at Qatar to try to sew a negotiation between both parties, and mediators say many issues have been resolved. One of the main impasses is the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territory, something Hamas asks, but Israel rejects.
According to Netanyahu, the exit of the army of Israel would allow the extremist group to reorganize and restructure. Still according to information, the prime minister told Trump that he wants a ceasefire, but not at all costs, putting the safety of Israeli territory first.
