Hamas Battles Israel’s Mercenaries in High-Stakes Gaza Showdown
In the ongoing conflict that has gripped Gaza, the situation remains dire for Palestinians even after the ceasefire declared on October 10. With Israel’s military operations persisting, the humanitarian crisis deepens, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the ongoing violence. This article delves into the complexities of the situation, highlighting the role of local armed groups, the impact of Israeli military strategies, and the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza’s residents.
More than a week post-ceasefire, Gaza continues to endure significant military pressure, with Palestinians at severe risk due to Israel’s ongoing operations. Although some Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from residential zones in central Gaza, local armed groups—reportedly linked to Israel’s Shin Bet security agency—continue their operations targeting both resistance fighters and civilians. Such actions not only undermine the potential for lasting peace but also illustrate Israel’s broader intent to destabilize Gaza from within.
Historically, these groups have faced accusations of collaborating with Israel to disrupt internal security in Gaza. Reports suggest their involvement in various activities, including:
- Assassinations of resistance commanders
- Infiltration of local communities
- Sowing chaos throughout the ongoing conflict
Over the past week, clashes between Hamas security forces and these armed collaborators have resulted in numerous fatalities on both sides. The Interior Ministry in Gaza has pinpointed “outlaw gangs” from the Doghmush clan as responsible for the attacks against resistance fighters following the ceasefire.
Israel has a documented history of supporting local militias to weaken organized resistance and undermine Hamas’s governance. Among these factions is the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab from the Tarabin Bedouin tribe. Despite accusations that Hamas has pilfered humanitarian aid, investigations reveal that the Popular Forces have actually participated in looting and selling food supplies intended for civilians. Clashes between Hamas and the Popular Forces have been ongoing since September 2024, with Hamas accusing them of colluding with Israeli forces.
Another significant figure in this network is Hussam al-Astal, a former Palestinian Authority security officer who was previously accused of collaborating with Israel in the 1990s. Al-Astal heads a group named the “Strike Force Against Terror,” which has reportedly coordinated with the Popular Forces and engaged in confrontations with Hamas in recent weeks.
Israel’s dependence on these proxy forces highlights the limitations of its military and political strategies in Gaza. Despite two years of conflict, Hamas continues to maintain control over vital areas, showcasing the resilience of Palestinian resistance. Unable to defeat Hamas through direct military means, Israel has increasingly leaned on militias to create divisions, weaken organized resistance, and undermine governance. This strategy, rather than indicating strength, reflects Israel’s strategic frustrations and recognition of Hamas’s enduring presence.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, an alarming 68,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, illustrating the extensive devastation and profound human cost of Israel’s military campaign.
The humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain critically severe. Even a week after the ceasefire, Palestinians face acute shortages of food, water, and essential medical supplies. Restrictions imposed by Israel continue to hinder aid deliveries, violating the truce and worsening civilian suffering. According to the World Food Program (WFP), only about 560 tons of food are delivered daily since the ceasefire—well below the required amount. As spokesperson Abeer Etefa stated, “We’re still below what we need, but we’re getting there… The ceasefire has opened a narrow window of opportunity, and WFP is moving swiftly to scale up assistance.” While the agency claims to have enough supplies to feed all of Gaza for three months, access remains severely limited.
Despite the ceasefire, military operations have not ceased. On October 25, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces shelled the Shujayea neighborhood in northern Gaza, resulting in three Palestinians killed the day before, with at least two dozen fatalities reported since the ceasefire commenced. Israeli officials have marked a “yellow line” to indicate their withdrawal boundary, with military chief Israel Katz warning that crossing it would result in live fire. Even before the line was fully delineated, several Palestinians were shot nearby, with Israeli forces maintaining control over approximately 60 percent of Gaza.
For many Palestinians, the ceasefire has provided little relief from their suffering. For Hamas and other resistance factions, Israel’s reliance on collaborators and proxy forces signifies not strength, but military exhaustion and strategic failure in confronting a resilient and organized Palestinian resistance.
