Israeli-Armed Gangs Unleash Chaos in Gaza, Targeting Hamas and Civilians
A disturbing new report has emerged detailing how armed gangs, reportedly equipped with Israeli weapons, are running rampant across the Gaza Strip. These groups are wreaking havoc, targeting both Hamas operatives and Palestinian civilians, as the region grapples with a severe power vacuum.
Gangs Exploit Power Vacuum Left by Hamas
The report, cited by Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, indicates that multiple criminal factions have emerged following intense Israeli bombardment that has significantly depleted Hamas's forces. With the established authority weakened, these gangs have seized the opportunity to vie for control, often branding themselves with titles like "Popular Forces" or "Counterterrorism" units.
Their activities have turned deadly, with the factions taking it upon themselves to assassinate senior Hamas members. There are strong claims, supported by the report's findings, that some of these armed groups are receiving direct support from Israel, further complicating the volatile situation on the ground.
Specific Incidents Highlight the Violence
The violence is not confined to shadowy operations. In one stark incident, a group known as the Helles Gang forcibly evicted Palestinians from a residential block, allegedly at Israel's request. This action prompted Hamas to ambush some of the gang's members on the outskirts of Gaza City, leading to further bloodshed.
Several Palestinians were also killed as they approached the so-called yellow line in the Shejaia and Tuffah neighbourhoods, with the gang implicated in these deaths. The gang's leader, Rami Helles, confirmed the death of an early member, Raad al-Jamal, in a Facebook post, underscoring the brutal internal conflicts.
Israeli Collaboration and Targeted Assassinations
The report suggests Israel had initially placed high hopes on cooperation with prominent gangs, notably one led by Yasser Abu Shabab. Abu Shabab was infamous for seizing humanitarian aid before forming an armed group that spread in Israeli-controlled regions. After his death at the hands of Hamas, leadership passed to Ghassan al-Dahini.
These groups have systematically targeted Hamas's security apparatus. Assassinations have included members of the Hamas security services and the al-Qassam Brigades. The first such killing was carried out by Shawqi Abu Nseira's group. In a separate attack, Ahmed ZamZam, an officer in Hamas's Internal Security Service, was killed in the Maghazi refugee camp.
On 12 January, a particularly orchestrated assassination saw Hamas's head of investigations, Mahmoud al-Astal, killed in Khan Younis by a gang led by Housam al-Astal, who is reported to be a relative of the victim. Sources indicate that gangs led by Abu Nseira and Housam al-Astal display a stronger loyalty to Israel.
Sophisticated Operations and Wider Impact
The operations are described as sophisticated. Gunmen involved in attacks are reported to have worn body cameras and used pistols fitted with silencers. Furthermore, sources claim the leaders of these factions received training from Mossad and were recruited by Shin Bet, pointing to a deeper level of Israeli involvement.
Beyond weaponry, gang members in Gaza have also reportedly obtained food supplies from Israeli sources, highlighting the complex web of dependencies. The violence has also claimed the lives of non-combatants. Last year, 28-year-old journalist Saleh Al-Jafarawi was reportedly killed by the Dughmush clan during clashes in the Sabra neighbourhood. His body, still wearing a "press" flak jacket, was recovered from the back of a truck, a grim testament to the dangers faced by civilians and the press alike.
As these armed gangs continue to fight Hamas and others across the region, the report paints a picture of a Gaza Strip descending into further lawlessness, with external support fuelling internal conflict and resulting in a tragic loss of life among both militants and the general Palestinian population.
