Hamas killed 50 members of Gaza gang armed by Israel, militia says

Hamas has killed at least 50 members of a Palestinian gang in Gaza armed by Israel, according to a statement by the militia group.
The gang, which is helmed by Yasser Abu Shabab, a clan leader known for criminal activity, said in a press statement that Hamas killed 'over 50 of our volunteers' while they 'guarded aid convoys and redistributed supplies that were otherwise destined for corrupt entities linked to Hamas'.
The announcement comes amid Israeli news reports this week of Israeli soldiers intervening in clashes between Hamas fighters and members of the militia group in order to protect Abu Shabab.
Israeli news channel i24 reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted Hamas fighters while they were clashing with members of Abu Shabab's militia, describing it as 'the first Israeli strike on Gaza whose sole objective was to assist the Abu Shabab militia'.
Meanwhile, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that Abu Shabab's militia had killed six members of Hamas' 'Arrow' unit, which is responsible for targeting collaborators with Israel.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to arming powerful local clans in Gaza, which aid groups have accused of stealing humanitarian aid, in a bid to counter Hamas.
The admission came after defence officials quoted in Israeli media said Netanyahu had authorised the transfer of Kalashnikov assault rifles to Abu Shabab's gang.
Abu Shabab, who was imprisoned by Hamas on drug trafficking charges, managed to flee prison with the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023.
His militia, which operates in southern Gaza, is believed to consist of around 100 men.
Hamas officials told Reuters that Abu Shabab was wanted for 'collaborating with the occupation against his people'.
The officials said Hamas fighters had killed at least two dozen of Abu Shabab's men before January, after they allegedly looted aid trucks.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Sharjah 24

an hour ago

• Sharjah 24

No radiation consequences from Israeli strike on Isfahan facility

In a statement issued by IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, the agency said that the site in question was a centrifuge production workshop in Isfahan, the third such facility to be targeted in Israeli attacks on locations associated with Iran's nuclear programme. Grossi said, 'We know this facility well. There were no nuclear materials at the site, and therefore, the attack has not resulted in any radiological consequences.' Earlier in the day, the Israeli military confirmed that it had struck an Iranian nuclear research facility overnight. Meanwhile, Akbar Salehi, Deputy Security Chief of Isfahan Province, said the Israeli strikes caused damage to the facility but did not result in any casualties.

Sharjah 24

an hour ago

• Sharjah 24

Attack on Iran violates international law: GCC Secretary-General

In his address at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which began today in Istanbul, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's call for a return to diplomacy. He stressed the importance of exercising restraint and maintaining open diplomatic channels, viewing them as the only viable path to avoid a wider regional escalation. Al Budaiwi praised Oman's positive mediation role in promoting US-Iran negotiations and urged all parties to prioritise wisdom and diplomacy, warning against the risks of a confrontation that could extend beyond regional borders. Regarding developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for an end to their suffering. He emphasised the need to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, open all crossings to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and ensure their continuous delivery to the population. He also underscored the urgent need for international protection for the Palestinian people and called for an end to the targeting of civilians, urging full compliance with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions without exception. On another note, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's support for joint Islamic action efforts led by the OIC since its founding. He noted that the Council's support is especially evident in key issues of priority for the Islamic world. He highlighted the political support provided by the GCC during emergency Islamic summits and its contributions to reconstruction efforts in affected areas, as well as defending the rights of Muslim communities in international forums in line with the principle of Islamic solidarity. Al Budaiwi added that the GCC has played a central role in combating Islamophobia and countering campaigns aimed at distorting the image of Islam, by backing the OIC's initiatives at the United Nations and adopting landmark resolutions that promote coexistence and mutual respect. He noted that GCC countries play an active role in political mediation and conflict resolution within the Islamic world, including support for dialogue between disputing parties and facilitating international consensus on sensitive issues through effective diplomatic channels.

Sharjah 24

an hour ago

• Sharjah 24

Arab Parliament calls on Italy to recognise Palestinian state

Al Yamahi expressed hope that the Italian government would adopt policies and measures to exert pressure on Israel to halt its acts of genocide and starvation against the Palestinian people. His remarks came during a meeting with Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, on the sidelines of the Arab Parliament's participation in the 2nd Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the Italian Parliament. During the meeting, the President of the Arab Parliament discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East, stressing that the region is witnessing unprecedented tensions in light of the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. He emphasised that the region cannot withstand further escalation and that diplomatic solutions remain the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability.