Gazan Popular Forces militia leader Abu Shabab in exclusive KAN interview: We cooperate with the IDF; Civil war with Hamas is inevitable

Yasser Abu Shabab, the head of the militia Popular Forces, which receives weapons from Israel to oppose Hamas, gave an exclusive interview this morning (Sunday) on KAN Radio, where he discussed the organization he leads and the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Shabab said his members are young Palestinians from Gaza who do not belong to any political ideology or organization. “We have tasted the bitterness and injustice inflicted on us by Hamas, and we have taken it upon ourselves to confront this aggression,” he said. “We will become a support for our people in order to remove this injustice.”

He emphasized, “We support any legitimate force that adopts the idea of removing injustice and corruption.”

He continued, “We have young men and we have an army. We are training in the field. We have taken it upon ourselves to work toward liberating the people from injustice and violence. We have power, and there will be sacrifices and bloodshed. We will pay the price to free our people.”

Abu Shabab stressed, “There is nothing preventing a direct confrontation with Hamas, and there is nothing preventing a civil war, no matter the cost.”

Abu Shabab said the organization receives logistical and financial support from several sources – but refrained from naming them.

He clarified that the organization operates in southern Gaza, especially in Rafah, and is active in areas under full Israeli control. “We move freely in Rafah, but there are other areas in the south where we move with caution. We entered Khan Younis, including Nasser Hospital – previously controlled by Hamas – we did not feel safe in those areas as we do in those under IDF control. We entered these areas and carried out operations beyond expectations.”

When asked whether his organization coordinates its movement inside Gaza, he confirmed, “As long as the purpose is aid and support, and nothing more, we inform them (Israel) before any mission. But the military action is ours to carry out.”

Abu Shabab claimed that after Hamas is removed from power, the Popular Forces will take over governance. “Hamas knows and understands this – the Popular Forces will be the successors in Gaza after Hamas is crushed and defeated.” He said there is no disagreement between his group and the Palestinian Authority: “There is coordination with them, far from the spotlight – administrative coordination on certain goals, but not military coordination. The Palestinian Authority is not involved in arming the Popular Forces or in aiding them; the coordination is purely administrative.”

Abu Shabab was asked about the arrest warrant issued against him by Hamas, which demanded he turn himself in within ten days. He responded, “Instead of publishing arrest orders, Hamas should judge those who committed the crimes of October 7. They are the cause of the Palestinian people's suffering, of the persecution of civilians, and the killing of innocents. They should put themselves on trial, not others.”

“As for me, their threat and fake trial do not faze me. Hamas is an illusion, a balloon full of hot air. Hamas is fighting for its life – it’s heading into a deal that marks the final chapter of its existence, both morally and physically. As for the physical aspect – I will pursue them.”

Regarding Gaza’s future, Abu Shabab stated his vision would be rational: “I think about how Palestinian society will grow, how to bring our society from darkness into light, in a rational way, not through weapons. There will be dialogue with several regional countries, and people will see the difference between the Hamas era, when Gaza was under oppression, and the new era, when Gaza comes into the light.”

As revealed by Kan News, Israel armed elements in Gaza with AK-47 rifles so they could defend themselves against the Hamas terror group. The move was authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, without the knowledge of the cabinet. Netanyahu confirmed the report stating, “On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. What’s wrong with that? It’s good.”

Kan News learned that the initiative was advanced by the Shin Bet, with the IDF also involved. The arming operation was discussed in a private meeting between Netanyahu and outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Those in the loop included the prime minister, the defense minister, the Shin Bet chief, and the IDF chief of staff.

Written by KAN 11 correspondents Suleiman Maswadeh and Kerem Abu Moch.