In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, Gaza has been effectively split, with Hamas retaining control in the west while Israeli-occupied eastern areas see the rise of armed gangs positioning themselves as alternative powers, backed by Israel but facing widespread rejection from Palestinians. This development underscores the deepening fragmentation and instability in the enclave as it grapples with post-conflict challenges.
The brutal two-year conflict has left Gaza divided along a so-called yellow line, an Israeli military boundary. Hamas is reconsolidating its rule in the western half where most civilians reside, but east of this line, in territory under Israeli control, a power vacuum has emerged. This void is being filled by at least five armed factions, ranging from opportunistic gangs to more organized militias, all operating with varying degrees of Israeli support. These groups, including the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force led by Hussam Al-Astal and the Popular Forces formerly headed by Yasser Abu Shabab, are openly challenging Hamas while attempting to establish local governance.
These militias have coalesced from scattered bands into a coordinated network, armed with light weapons and leveraging social media for propaganda. They conduct hit-and-run attacks against Hamas, aiming to destabilize its post-war consolidation. For instance, in early November, a gunman assassinated Sheikh Mohammed Abu Mustafa, an imam linked to Hamas, in an attack claimed by an Israeli-backed militia, highlighting the escalating violence. The groups portray themselves as nationalist forces fighting terrorism, but their actions often plunge Gaza into further chaos, risking open civil conflict.
Israel acknowledges backing these militias as part of a strategy to contain Hamas and shape Gaza’s future. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted in June 2025 to using armed clans for this purpose, despite past failures with similar proxies like the South Lebanon Army. The militias are tasked with securing areas for potential reconstruction, such as in Rafah, where the Popular Forces operated. However, their funding and long-term role remain unclear, with Israeli sources indicating continued support even after key leaders like Abu Shabab are killed.
Despite Israeli backing, these gangs lack popular legitimacy among Gazans. Many Palestinians view them as collaborators due to their alliance with Israel during the war, which has killed over 70,000 people. Abu Shabab, for example, was a former drug offender who escaped prison and was widely derided; his own tribe disavowed him after his death. Accusations of looting humanitarian aid have further tarnished their image, with internal UN memos labeling Abu Shabab as a primary figure behind systematic theft. This perception undermines any potential for mass support.
The militias’ ambitions extend beyond military operations to governance, with leaders recruiting professionals and offering salaries to build administrative capacity. Groups like the Popular Defense Army, led by Rami Hallas, claim coordination with the Palestinian Authority and aim to secure aid routes. However, without a clear plan for Palestinian authority, their efforts create more ambiguity. As Jared Kushner suggested, reconstruction might begin in Hamas-free zones, but the gangs’ presence complicates this, as they operate in areas with few civilians and face resistance from residents unwilling to move into Israeli-controlled territory.
Recent events, such as the killing of Yasser Abu Shabab in early December 2025, underscore the fragility of these groups. His death was celebrated by Hamas supporters, revealing the deep animosity and the militias’ vulnerability. Meanwhile, Hamas is actively hunting these challengers, executing suspected collaborators and tightening control. This dynamic fuels anxiety among ordinary Palestinians, who fear the enclave could slide into prolonged internal strife, hindering any path to peace.
In the diplomatic limbo following the ceasefire, these armed factions add another layer of complexity to Gaza’s future. They carve out interests in a war-torn territory still searching for stability, but without broad acceptance or a coherent governance framework, they risk perpetuating instability. As one resident noted, moving into gang-controlled areas means ‘moving towards the unknown,’ highlighting the profound uncertainties that define Gaza’s precarious post-war landscape.
