DaysofPal – Israeli authorities have permitted members of the Yasser Abu Shabab militia to take part in the inspection of Palestinians entering and leaving the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
The official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported on Wednesday that Israel hopes the militia will take on this role permanently. A photo taken earlier this week on the Palestinian side of the crossing showed militia leader Ghassan Al-Dahini with several members of his group.
The report indicated that the militia operates around the crossing, which lies within an area under Israeli control, with Israel’s approval.
Israel reopened the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on February 2, 2026, after controlling it since May 2024, but did so under very limited conditions and with strict restrictions.
Hebrew media, including Yedioth Ahronoth, have reported that Israel secretly supports armed militias in Gaza with funding, weapons, and field protection to use them against Hamas. These militias reportedly operate in areas where Israeli forces are present under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The newspaper added that the Israeli army deploys these militias for specific tactical tasks, such as pursuing and detaining individuals and locating Hamas fighters in tunnels or rubble.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in June 2025 that militias in Gaza were being armed for use against Hamas.
The militia’s founder, Yasser Abu Shabab, was killed in December 2025 during clashes between tribes in Gaza. His death was reportedly acknowledged by the Al-Tarabin tribe, to which he belonged, as closing a chapter of dishonor.
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