Abu Shabab is considered an influential figure in the southern region, where he leads a group known as the “Popular Forces,” which is responsible for securing aid routes near the Kerem Shalom crossing. His role became prominent after the decline of Hamas’ control and the increase in looting of relief convoys in the Strip, as his men took over the protection of trucks and securing their routes.
Israeli sources reported that Tel Aviv had supplied his group with weapons as part of a plan to support groups opposing Hamas in Gaza, which Abu Shabab repeatedly denied, stressing that “the equipment of his forces is simple and local.” In contrast, Hamas described Abu Shabab as a “traitor and a gang,” accusing him of working for Israel, and indicated that it had killed his brother previously and tried to assassinate him several times.
Analysts believe that Abu Shabab’s influence increased after Israel began allowing limited quantities of aid through Kerem Shalom, and his increased appearance in areas under the control of the Israeli army. Pictures and videos of him dealing with UN convoys in buffer zones spread, raising suspicions about the nature of his relationships.
Diplomatic sources indicated that international dealings with aid distribution sometimes had to go through local groups with varying degrees of influence, including the Abu Shabab group, despite the denial of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – supported by the US – of any direct cooperation with him.
Despite his increasing military and media presence, his influence remains limited, as estimates indicate that his group includes only about 300 members. His family also disowned him and considered that “his blood is forfeit,” which he responded to by describing it as a “smear campaign.”
Analysts believe that the assassination of Abu Shabab, if its internal backgrounds are confirmed, will reveal the extent of the conflicts taking place to control aid and security areas in the southern Strip, in light of the absence of a clear Israeli vision for managing Gaza after the decline of Hamas’ influence.
