Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Israel Backs Gaza Militias Against Hamas
Israel is helping some groups in Gaza fight against Hamas.
These groups, like the one led by Hussam Al Astal, are attacking Hamas officials.
Israel gives them weapons, food, and other support.
Hamas calls these groups traitors and threatens them.
Some of these groups have been able to survive Hamas' attacks and are growing.
However, many people in Gaza don't trust these groups because they have a history of criminal activities.
Israel has used similar groups in the past, but it didn't always work out well.
It's unclear what will happen to these groups if Israel leaves Gaza.
Israel is supporting militias in Gaza to target Hamas officials, providing them with air support, intelligence, weapons, and supplies.
Hussam Al Astal's group and the Popular Forces are among the militias involved, with operations in areas like Al Mawasi and Rafah.
Hamas has threatened these militias, labeling them as collaborators and warning of the consequences of betrayal.
The militias have faced challenges, including a lack of trust from Gazans due to their criminal history and limited success in controlling territory.
Israel's support for these militias mirrors past strategies, such as backing the South Lebanon Army, which had mixed results.
- Who
- Israeli-backed militias in Gaza, including Hussam Al Astal's group and the Popular Forces, are targeting Hamas officials.
- What
- Israel is providing extensive support to these militias, including air support, intelligence, weapons, and supplies, to combat Hamas.
- When
- The partnership has been ongoing, with recent activities including the killing of a Hamas police official earlier this month.
- Where
- The operations are taking place in Hamas-controlled territories in Gaza, including Al Mawasi and Rafah.
- Why
- Israel is using these militias as a tool to target Hamas in areas off-limits to Israeli troops due to a cease-fire agreement.
- Militias Involved
- Hussam Al Astal's group, Popular Forces
- Israeli Support
- Air support, intelligence, weapons, food, medical aid
- Hamas Response
- Threats, labeling militias as collaborators
- Militia Goals
- Targeting Hamas officials, expanding influence
- Militia Size
- Hundreds to thousands of members
- Historical Context
- Similar to Israel's past support for the South Lebanon Army
- Future Uncertainty
- Potential fate if Israel withdraws from Gaza