Champion or traitor? New strength in southern Gaza emerges
Champion or traitor? New strength in southern Gaza emerges
A new picture is created in Südgaza, which shows the reality of a changing power structure. The man in the photo, Yasser Abu Shabab, is a slim and tanned guy who wears a dark helmet. He waves a rifle in his hand while UN vehicles drive through traffic in the background. Abu Shabab claims that he leads hundreds of armed men who are known as the “folk forces” to protect international organizations in the region.
Who is Yasser Abu Shabab?
Abu Shabab, in early thirties, comes from a prominent Beduin family in southern Gazas. On October 7, 2023, he was still in a prison in Gaza operated by Hama's, where he was on the basis of drug trafficking. However, his fate changed with the beginning of the conflict that finally freed him.
The climb to power
Since his release, Abu Shabab has developed into an important figure in Südgaza. He controls the Hilfrouten near the decisive border crossing Kerem Shalom and provides men, so that it is ready to To protect convoys from looting that have increased since the limited access to relief goods in mid -May.
The role of the gangs
While the control of Hamas in Gaza has decreased and the local police were weakened, gangs appeared that steal and sell humanitarian aid from the convoys. In addition, many convoys are stopped and ransacked by desperate civilians.
Abu Shabab told CNN that he "led a group of citizens from this community who have voluntarily agreed to protect humanitarian aid from looting and corruption." But reality is more complex.
Israel's support for Abu Shabab
Abu Shabab, however, rejected the claim that his men had received weapons from the Israelis. "Our equipment is extremely easy, it comes from volunteers who have taken over from her ancestors, or it was put together from limited local resources," says Abu Shabab.
contradictions and tensions
Hamas, on the other hand, describes Abu Shabab as traitor and gangster. In an explanation, the group said: "We praise to confront the shelter of this criminal and his gang, regardless of the price." After Hamas murdered his brother last year and tried several times to kill Abu Shabab, the situation looks increasingly threatening for him.
Although Abu Shabab denies any connection to Israeli military leadership, analysts due to the evidence of his movements in Gaza areas controlled by Israel believe that this is difficult to believe. A video from the end of May shows him how he stops a red cross vehicle and speaks to an official.
a new role in humanitarian aid
In the middle of the crisis situation, Abu Shabab has played an increasingly supportive role. Last month he posted that his group had secured 101 trucks with relief goods, mainly flour, which were brought by the world nutrition program. Truck drivers reported CNN that he provided 200 armed men to protect the convoys.
"Our strength regularly accompany auxiliary convoys, and the protection of vulnerable civilians is a top priority for us," said Abu Shabab. But his role is not just limited to the protection of convoys.
Future views
With the beginning of the construction of a tent camp in Rafah, Abu Shababs could continue to grow, especially if the Israeli government is planning to concentrate the population of Gaza in a narrow region between the Egyptian border and the Morag corridor.
Despite his influence, the fears are great to join Abu Shabab for fear of being considered a collaborator. The reality in Gaza remains complicated and insecure for many people - the machinations and dynamics in this region are dynamic and challenging, both for the residents and for international actors.
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