Gaza's anti-Hamas militias to be integrated into Palestinian police force, militia leader says

The organization of Hossam al-Astal, an armed force operating in Khan Yunis and opposing Hamas, has received messages from American representatives stating that the organization – alongside other militias that oppose Hamas – will take part in Gaza’s future under the Palestinian police.

This is according to comments by al-Astal that were published today by Kan Reshet Bet Radio on Wednesday.

The activities of the militias opposing Hamas will be part of the Trump plan for Gaza’s future and coordinated with the international force in the Strip. “We hope that in the coming days it will be officially announced that our organization will be part of the Palestinian police within the Trump plan for the day after,” al-Astal said.

According to him, the composition of the Palestinian police – which will include thousands of Palestinian officers trained in Jordan and Egypt, and, according to al-Astal, also members of the armed anti-Hamas militias operating in the Strip, including his own – may soon be officially announced.

The organization of Abu Shabab, operating in Rafah, is also expected to be included in this list, as well as other militias active in additional areas of the Strip.

According to the Trump plan, the Palestinian police will operate alongside a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) that will enter Gaza when implementation begins. The international force will train the Palestinian police forces, who will undergo vetting, support them, and coordinate its activity with the Jordanians and Egyptians.

The international forces will work with Israel and Egypt to secure the borders and prevent weapons smuggling, while ensuring the rapid and safe passage of goods.

Last night, the UN Security Council approved the U.S. proposal regarding the Gaza Strip, which includes a reference to the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state. Thirteen members of the council supported the proposal; Russia and China abstained and did not use their veto power.

The Hamas terror organization published a statement condemning the decision. In the Hamas statement, it said, among other things, that the proposal “does not meet the political and humanitarian demands and rights of the Palestinian people.”

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said before the vote: “At the heart of this plan stands the Peace Council, which will rebuild the Gaza Strip and create a possible future for Palestinian self-determination after the Palestinian Authority completes its reforms, when olive branches will replace rockets.”