In the tumultuous landscape of southern Gaza, Yasser Abu Shabab has emerged as a significant figure, commanding a group known as the Popular Forces. He commands hundreds of armed thugs. Collectively, they provide an extraordinary shield to international organizations continuing to work in the region. This change comes after a spike in war. It all began with the eruption of violence on October 7, 2023, when Abu Shabab was released from a Hamas-run prison, where he had been locked up for drug dealing offenses.
Abu Shabab’s presence is more than just muscle to protect them. He’s involved in maintaining Palestinian division by tightly controlling all trade routes, especially along the vital Kerem Shalom crossing. His organization has just recently instituted steps to protect humanitarian convoys from being looted. They are doing Herculean work to provide security for humanitarian operations at this time of unprecedented crisis. In-depth analysis of commercial satellite imagery corroborates that he began to build a tent encampment in eastern Rafah on May 17. This gamble consolidates his control over fate in a region that Israeli security officials want to clear.
The Popular Forces and Humanitarian Aid
The Popular Forces, under Abu Shabab’s command, have become integral to the security of humanitarian aid distribution in southern Gaza. Recently, he announced that his organization had secured 101 trucks of aid, primarily flour provided by the World Food Programme. This project underlines Abu Shabab’s talent for logistical organization in a world gone mad.
“Our forces regularly accompany aid convoys, and protecting vulnerable civilians is one of our top priorities,” – Yasser Abu Shabab
His group has positioned itself as a buffer against looting and corruption, claiming to consist of “a group of citizens from this community who have volunteered to protect humanitarian aid.” This rhetoric frankly plays into local residents’ fears and desires, as they are the ones most in need of stability and resources.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) raised concerns as to the impact of Abu Shabab’s control. Importantly, they noted that they engage local staff who care deeply about their work. None of these workers are armed or associated with Abu Shabab’s militia.
“We do have local Palestinian workers we are very proud of but none is armed and they do not belong to Abu Shabab’s organization,” – GHF
Even with these concerns, Abu Shabab has not let up on his claims of responsibility for keeping humanitarian coordination flowing. In the first, he stressed the need to operate in a coordinated national framework while continuing communication with authorized stakeholders.
“With regard to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, we stress the need for its work to operate within a unified national framework and to maintain continuous coordination with all legitimate parties,” – Yasser Abu Shabab
Growing Influence and Controversy
Abu Shabab’s rise is not without controversy. His group’s growing clout has caught the eye of local observers and international observers alike. Israeli officials have acknowledged their involvement in arming Abu Shabab’s militia as part of a broader strategy to counter Hamas’ dominance in Gaza. The Israeli government views his faction as an ally and partner in an extremist, authoritarian bent war of attrition. This ongoing crisis has driven many to doubt the credibility and viability of these coalitions.
A senior Israeli security official noted that this operation involves civilian companies and aims to create a secured zone patrolled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This new level of direct support for Abu Shabab indicates a broader paradigm shift in how Israel will try to play the local power dynamics.
“By involving civilian companies and creating a secured zone patrolled by the IDF,” – Senior Israeli security official
This alliance has produced mixed feelings among Gazans. Many view Abu Shabab as a potential savior from Hamas. Some see him as a sell-out that cowers in the company of the white man. This forced choice is made clear by the elders of the Abu Shabab clan, who told me how much they hated what he did.
“We have no objection to those around him eliminating him immediately; we state clearly that his blood is wasted,” – Leaders and elders of the Abu Shabab family
Security Challenges and Regional Implications
Even amidst these humanitarian breakthroughs, security challenges still hamper the efforts in southern Gaza. Analysts have pointed out that the situation is extremely dynamic and it quickly became unsafe for anyone to continue working in the area. The current war has raised the dangers to local civilians and humanitarian actors.
“It’s nearly impossible this is being done inside Gaza,” – Shehada
Though facing these realities, Yasser Abu Shabab remains resilient. He is committed to making sure his organization’s aid convoys are protected and their full complement of support goes to those in need. His forces are still in the field, still striving to create a safe haven. They want to provide a sense of normalcy and order to an otherwise highly violent and chaotic environment.
Abu Shabab’s rise marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, with local actors changing loyalties. Israeli support is currently making inroads toward Khan Younis, which guards the southern entrance to his stronghold. It is unclear how this change will affect the new realities of countervailing forces among rival factions in Gaza.
