The People's Force group announced on 4/12 that its leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, was shot dead while mediating a dispute among members of the Abu Seneima clan. The group dismissed allegations that Hamas killed Shabab.

The People's Force, an anti-Hamas group in the Gaza Strip, operates near Rafah, an area under Israeli military control. The group consists of dozens of armed fighters.

Shabab's Tarabin tribe, however, previously claimed he was killed "by resistance forces," accusing him of betraying the Palestinian people. Other sources attributed Shabab's death to "internal power struggles."

Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the armed People's Force group. Photo: Facebook/Yasser Abu Shabab.

Hamas stated Shabab's death was "the inevitable end for those who betray their people and homeland by serving Israel." The group did not claim responsibility for his killing.

Israeli Army Radio, citing security sources, reported Shabab was seriously injured and transported to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel. The hospital, however, denied he died during treatment.

The People's Force vowed to continue Shabab's ideals, signaling ongoing confrontation with Hamas.

Shabab, 34, was arrested by Hamas in 2023 on charges of smuggling cigarettes, drugs, and weapons through border tunnels with Egypt and Israel.

Following Israeli airstrikes on Hamas's security headquarters, which created chaos, Shabab escaped prison. After a brief disappearance, he re-emerged as the leader of a notorious armed gang in Gaza, known for looting aid and reselling it to residents at inflated prices.

Shabab's heavily armed group openly challenged Hamas's authority, operating freely along the Gaza border, an area Israel designates a "restricted military zone."

Ngoc Anh (According to BBC, Guardian, Al Jazeera)