Gaza militia leader recruits volunteers to restore order in Rafah

Yasser Abu Shab, a prominent militia leader in Gaza, has called on Palestinian youth to volunteer and join his group’s efforts to manage local affairs in the Gaza Strip.

On June 9, his group, known as the “Popular Forces,” announced the formation of civilian committees aimed at restoring order in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza, Caliber.Az reports per Arab media.

The group invited volunteers from various fields, including medicine, education, media, and economics, to apply for positions within their newly formed administrative and community committees.

In a statement, Abu Shab’s group said: “In the face of chaos, collapse, and injustice, we are taking responsibility to serve and protect the dignity of our people.”

This announcement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that Israel has armed Palestinian militias in Gaza to counter Hamas’s authority. The move has sparked concern among Israeli officials and opposition leaders, who warn of the risks involved.

Former Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan described the plan as dangerous, highlighting possible links between these militias and extremist groups. Opposition leader Yair Lapid cautioned that weapons entering Gaza could eventually be turned against Israeli soldiers.

An Israeli official confirmed that weapons provided to Abu Shab’s group were seized from stockpiles inside Gaza during recent fighting, as part of a broader strategy to build local resistance against Hamas in the south of the territory.

Meanwhile, Fatah officials have reported a worsening security situation in Gaza, with armed groups and gangs looting humanitarian aid. This has forced the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to temporarily suspend aid distribution amid rising violence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev