Netanyahu admits arming anti-Hamas gangs in Gaza allegedly linked to jihadists

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has admitted arming gangs in Gaza that he says are opposed to Hamas, after allegations that members of these criminal groups looted humanitarian aid and have ties to jihadist groups.

- Lorenzo Tondo

The admission came after Israeli media reports quoted defence sources as saying Netanyahu had authorised giving weapons to a clan reportedly led by a man known as Yasser Abu Shabab, a Rafah resident from a Bedouin family, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity. Israel allegedly provided Abu Shabab's group, which calls itself the "Anti-Terror Service", with Kalashnikov assault rifles, including weapons seized from Hamas.

"On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. What's wrong with that?" Netanyahu said in a short video he posted on social media. "It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers, and publicising this only benefits Hamas."

Strong criticism of the initiative has come from opposition parties in Israel. In a social media post on X, Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, said: "Netanyahu is a threat to Israel's national security. Instead of bringing about a deal... bringing the hostages home and providing security for Israeli citizens, he is creating a new ticking timebomb in Gaza."

Palestinians in Gaza marked the start of Eid al-Adha - one of Islam's most important holidays - yesterday with prayers outside destroyed mosques and homes, and with food supplies dwindling. Food distribution points run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reopened yesterday before closing a few hours later.