The Israeli military has been arming and training local militia groups in Gaza as an alternative to Hamas, with up to a dozen new armed groups emerging across the territory in recent weeks. The strategy, initially focused on the Popular Forces in the south, has expanded amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis and a breakdown of law and order.
Hossam al-Astal, leader of a new force operating near Khan Younis, stated that “alternatives exist” to Hamas, adding that he would cooperate with the devil himself to protect his city. He denied direct Israeli support, claiming his pregnant daughter and relatives were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Times of Israel reported that Astal previously worked inside Israel.
An aid agency official noted that since March, they have dealt with a variety of actors rather than Hamas, with law and order deteriorating. Armed groups have been looting aid and extorting protection payments. The conflict monitor Acled recorded over 220 intra-Palestinian violent incidents since October 2023, resulting in around 400 deaths.
Israeli forces have systematically targeted local police officers, considering them part of Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas has formed special units to fight the militias, reportedly killing dozens of Popular Forces fighters in June and ambushing others in the north. Public executions of “collaborators” have also been reported.
Astal said he would sign a peace deal with Israel, citing exhaustion from decades of war. The proliferation of armed groups poses a challenge to any future peace plan, including Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza.
