Pro-Israel Palestinian militia are conducting raids, assassinations, and abductions within Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza, even as conflict continues with Iran. These militias, operating from areas of Gaza under Israeli control since a ceasefire in October, have reportedly increased their firepower with logistical support from Israel since last year.
Escalating Violence and Militia Activity
Israeli strikes in Gaza, averaging around 10 per day over the last five months, continue alongside bombing campaigns in Iran and Lebanon. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike and tank shelling killed six Palestinians, including two women and a girl, in Gaza City – the deadliest incident since the offensive on Iran began. At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by airstrikes since February 28th.
The most powerful of these militias are the Popular Forces, based near Rafah, and the Strike Force Against Terror, operating east of Khan Younis. Both have been actively targeting Hamas-controlled territory in recent weeks. Israel has tasked these militias with security duties and deployed the Popular Forces at the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
The UN human rights office has warned of a “pattern of ill-treatment, abuse and humiliation” of those returning to Gaza, allegedly by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed men backed by the Israeli military.
A third militia, the Ashraf al-Mansi group, attempted an ambush of Hamas patrols in Gaza City last week, a mission Hamas officials say was thwarted. Two weeks prior, the same group clashed with Hamas fighters in Jabaliya.
A Complex Security Landscape
According to Nasser Khdour of Acled, an independent conflict monitor, the militias are “recruiting and becoming more active against Hamas,” particularly in Rafah, and are gaining leverage. Hamas is responding with a counteroffensive, focusing on the militias’ bases, which is contributing to increased violence.
The Popular Army, another Israel-supported militia with around 30 fighters, recently assassinated a senior officer in a Hamas police unit targeting collaborators. Hamas has vowed to eliminate these pro-Israeli militias, claiming arrests of “collaborators.”
Since the October ceasefire, Israel has launched 265 attacks in Gaza, increasing to approximately 350 per month, totaling 1,664 by mid-March. More than 600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, bringing the overall war death toll to over 72,000, primarily civilians.
The enhanced role of these militias presents a challenge to plans for an international stabilization force in Gaza. The US-brokered ceasefire, aimed at demilitarizing Gaza, has stalled, in part due to Hamas’s reluctance to disarm and Israel’s unwillingness to relinquish control over a significant portion of the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Israeli-backed militias?
The militias are launching raids, assassinations, and abductions within Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza, operating with logistical support from Israel and tasked with security duties in areas under Israeli control.
What has been Hamas’s response to these militias?
Hamas has vowed to eliminate the pro-Israeli militias and claims to have arrested “collaborators” allegedly assisting them. They are too launching a counteroffensive, focusing on the militias’ bases.
How has the ceasefire been impacted by these developments?
The US-brokered ceasefire, aimed at demilitarizing Gaza, has stalled, and the increased activity of the militias presents a further challenge to plans for an international stabilization force.
Given the escalating violence and the involvement of multiple actors, what impact will these developments have on the long-term stability of the region?
