Newsletters
The "Popular Forces," a new armed group that emerged on the Gaza scene recently, has announced a recruitment for security personnel in its group on Facebook, sparking controversy on social media.
The armed group led by a figure known as Abu Shabab publishes and describes itself as opposition to Hamas.
On Friday, the group posted on Facebook calling for security personnel—including soldiers, officers with military experience, and legal experts—to join the public security apparatus in eastern Rafah.
The announcement was made, specifying the salaries for those who join:
Abu Shabab also offered incentives to join his forces, stating, "Life in our controlled areas is at pre-Oct. 7 prices," in his post.
Notably, Abu Shabab recently announced that he had relocated families from central Gaza (Deir al-Balah, Al-Nuseirat) and from Khan Younis in the south to areas under his control in eastern Rafah.
Abu Shabab’s announcement has stirred widespread controversy, with activists suggesting that it indirectly targets Palestinian Authority personnel, as indicated by his requirement that recruits possess a military background.
Yasser Abu Shabab, a controversial figure, and his armed group are also accused of seizing aid shipments entering through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing.
Since then, Abu Shabab has assembled a few hundred men, controlling areas near the Kerem Shalom crossing. His group claims to protect humanitarian aid.
His military group describes itself on Facebook as “a voice of truth against terrorism for a safe homeland.”
According to U.N. and diplomatic sources, his gang has looted aid shipments, sold goods on the black market, carried out reconnaissance for Israeli authorities, and acted as a proxy militia in depopulated areas.
The armed group faces allegations that Israel backed its campaign in an attempt to portray it as a “legitimate” alternative to Hamas.
The group otherwise denies any ties to Israeli forces, describing itself as a nationalist movement aimed at serving people opposed to Hamas rule.
Al Jazeera tracked the digital campaign that amplified Abu Shabab’s image and reported that between Aug. 11 and 13, videos and photos circulated portraying him as a “rescue leader.”
A clip posted by Abu Shabab on his Facebook page shows him interviewing teachers and doctors while announcing the establishment of schools, hospitals, and security units in Rafah.
Earlier last month, Gaza’s Ministry of Interior and National Security gave Abu Shabab a 10-day deadline to surrender, following a ruling by the Revolutionary Court.
Abu Shabab faces three charges: treason and collusion with hostile entities, and forming an armed rebellion.
The ministry warned that failure to surrender would make him a fugitive tried in absentia and urged anyone aware of his whereabouts to report him.
1 min read
5 min read
