Hamas says it crushed armed group linked to Israel in Gaza

On October 21, the Palestinian group Hamas said that its newly formed Radea security force had “dealt a severe blow” to an armed faction in Gaza it accuses of working with Israel.

In a statement, Hamas said the operation took place early Tuesday (October 21) in the southern Gaza Strip and targeted the militia of Yasser Abu Shabab, a fugitive commander accused of leading a group known as the Popular Forces, Caliber.Az reports citing Arabic international newspaper.

The group said several members were arrested and “military equipment and tools used in their subversive activities” were seized.

Hamas described the operation as part of an ongoing campaign “against dens of treason”, aimed at restoring internal order following recent unrest in the enclave.

The Radea force — named after the Arabic word for “deterrence” — was established by Hamas earlier this month to enforce order and counter armed groups operating outside its control.

Clashes broke out last week in Gaza City’s Shujaiya district between Radea units and several armed factions, including Abu Shabab’s group, which Hamas accuses of looting and receiving weapons from Israel. The Popular Forces initially operated in Gaza’s southern Rafah area and were previously accused of stealing aid.

In July, Abu Shabab claimed his fighters could move freely through zones under Israeli military control and coordinated their movements with Israeli forces. Israeli officials acknowledged in June that they had supplied weapons to Palestinian groups hostile to Hamas, although they did not name Abu Shabab’s organisation.

The operation comes amid efforts by Hamas to reassert its authority following a US-brokered ceasefire with Israel on October 10. The truce halted months of intense fighting that left large parts of Gaza in ruins.

Last week, Hamas’ television channel broadcast footage showing the alleged execution of eight people accused of collaborating with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said over the weekend that the conflict in Gaza would not be considered over until Hamas disarms, as required under the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has not commented publicly on the disarmament clause since US President Donald Trump unveiled the plan two weeks ago.

By Aghakazim Guliyev