The head of an armed Palestinian faction that opposes Hamas in Gaza died while mediating a family dispute, the group said on Thursday.
Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin tribal leader based in Israeli-held Rafah in southern Gaza, had led the most prominent of several small anti-Hamas groups that emerged in Gaza during the war that began more than two years ago.
His death would be a boost to Hamas, which has branded him a collaborator and ordered its fighters to kill or capture him.
Gaza's Popular Forces said in a statement that its leader died of a gunshot wound as he intervened in a family quarrel, and dismissed as "misleading" reports that Hamas was behind his killing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in June that Israel had armed anti-Hamas clans, though Israel has announced few other details of the policy since then.
Abu Shabab's group has continued to operate from areas of Gaza controlled by Israeli forces since Hamas and Israel reached a U.S.-backed ceasefire in October.
Rafah has been the scene of some of the worst violence during the ceasefire. Residents had reported gunbattles there on Wednesday, and Israel said four of its soldiers were wounded.
The Israeli military said on Thursday its forces had killed some 40 Hamas militants trapped in tunnels below Rafah.
On 18 November, Abu Shabab's group posted a video showing dozens of fighters receiving orders from his deputy to launch a security sweep to "clear Rafah of terror", an apparent reference to Hamas fighters believed to be holed up there.
The Popular Forces vowed to continue Abu Shabab's path and to "fight terrorism" in Gaza, the group said.
Abu Shabab's death was first reported by Israeli media including Kan, Israel's public broadcaster, citing a security source.
Israel's Army Radio, also citing a security source, said he had died in Soroka hospital in southern Israel of unspecified wounds, but the hospital denied admitting him.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was an "all-day negotiation" on Tuesday with Iran, characterising the talks positively while also threatening t...
Iran says it is holding “positive” talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic, while an official source familiar with t...
Top Arab and Muslim foreign ministers agreed at a meeting in Amman on Wednesday to establish a mechanism to document alleged Israeli violations in Jer...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 5th of August, covering the latest developments.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was an "all-day negotiation" on Tuesday with Iran, characterising the talks positively while also threatening to hit Iran "really hard" if a deal was not reached.
Tehran had made plans to strike sites in Ukraine after Kyiv attacked an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, a senior Iranian military adviser has said. Iran refrained from taking action after Kyiv said the strike was a mistake, Mohsen Rezaei told the state IRIB TV channel.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 4th of August, covering the latest developments.
U.S. data analytics firm Palantir Technologies has reported a 93 per cent year-on-year jump in second-quarter revenue, even as the company faces continued criticism over its work with Israel's military and allegations linking its technology to the war in Gaza.a.
Iran says it is holding “positive” talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic, while an official source familiar with the negotiations has said an “agreement is within reach”.
Top Arab and Muslim foreign ministers agreed at a meeting in Amman on Wednesday to establish a mechanism to document alleged Israeli violations in Jerusalem, urging coordinated international action to protect the city's religious sites.
Pakistan has stepped up flood preparedness after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that El Niño is expected to strengthen from August, increasing the risk of more extreme weather worldwide as monsoon rains continue across the country.
Afghanistan has launched a five-year national health strategy to strengthen healthcare services as the country faces severe funding shortages, rising humanitarian needs and mounting pressure on its health system.
At least 14 people have been killed and several others injured after lightning struck across the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, highlighting the dangers of the country's annual monsoon season.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment