ALWAGHT- Israeli forces conducted an airstrike against Hamas operatives in Gaza as they were reportedly preparing to attack militants linked to ISIS in the territory.
Clashes erupted in Gaza late Monday between Hamas fighters and members of the Abu Shabab group, described as ISIS-affiliated militants, according to Israeli media. The firefight escalated overnight before an Israeli drone intervened, launching a missile that killed four Hamas members—marking what appears to be Israel’s first direct military intervention to assist ISIS-linked forces. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly admitted to arming anti-Hamas factions in Gaza, including the Abu Shabab group, which former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman confirmed had received Israeli weapons.
The Abu Shabab group, led by Yasser Abu Shabab—a convicted drug smuggler and alleged Israeli collaborator—has been accused of aiding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Palestinian sources and leaked UN documents describe the group as instrumental in looting humanitarian aid and working alongside Israeli forces, including undercover units targeting Hamas. Despite being disavowed by his own tribe, Abu Shabab operates from an Israeli-controlled zone in Rafah, where his forces have reportedly coordinated attacks on Palestinians under IDF protection.
The revelation underscores Israel’s reliance on armed proxies in Gaza, even as senior Israeli commanders admit their military struggles to defeat Hamas. Intelligence estimates suggest around 20,000 Hamas fighters remain active nearly two years into the war, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. The Abu Shabab group’s role highlights the complex and controversial tactics employed by Israel in its ongoing offensive, further complicating the humanitarian and security crisis in Gaza.
