Emerging Militias in Gaza: A New Order or Old Chaos?

Sat Nov 22 2025 16:11:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of increasing discontent with Hamas, various armed groups are positioning themselves in Gaza. Some raise urgent questions about the future of Israeli influence and Palestinian autonomy.

In recent months, multiple armed groups in Gaza have emerged, challenging Hamas's long-standing control and raising questions about their roles in a proposed peace plan. While some of these groups are reportedly backed by Israel and supported by elements within the Palestinian Authority, public sentiment is mixed, with many Gazans expressing concerns over their legitimacy and the potential dangers posed by their alignment with external forces.

In a significant shift in the dynamics of power in Gaza, various militias, driven by grievances against Hamas, are now asserting themselves. These groups, composed of family clans, local militias, and even criminal gangs, are increasingly coalescing in the face of widespread discontent with Hamas's governance.

Among these new factions, one of the most prominent is the Popular Forces, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, operating near Rafah. Another notable group is the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, overseen by Hossam al-Astal, who has openly claimed his militia's future inclusion in Gaza's newly envisioned police force.

The backdrop for this turmoil includes not only the political rivalry with Hamas but also covert assistance from the Israeli government and even the Palestinian Authority, which has tacitly supported some of these armed factions. This intricate web of allegiances complicates any potential peace arrangements, notably the plan put forth by the United States.

Yet, the emerging power of these armed groups is met with skepticism from many in Gaza. Residents worry that the ascendance of local militias could lead to greater instability, as these factions are often viewed as an extension of foreign influence rather than authentic representations of Palestinian aspirations. Critics within Gaza have voiced concerns that groups allied with external forces are seen as a betrayal of Palestinian interests.

The future remains uncertain as debates rage over the legitimacy of these armed factions and their place in the proposed governance frameworks for Gaza. With Israel's continued backing of these groups, their potential to shift the balance of power in favor of external influences raises pressing questions about Gaza’s political landscape.