Hamas Gives Popular Forces Leader Yasser Abu Shabab 10 Days to Surrender Over Treason, Israeli Coordination Amid Resistance Condemnation

The Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza has issued a 10-day ultimatum for Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the Popular Forces militia in Rafah, to surrender to the Revolutionary Court. Abu Shabab faces charges including treason, espionage for hostile entities, forming an armed gang, armed rebellion, and collaborating with Israel. The court warned that failure to surrender would result in him being considered a fugitive and tried in absentia. Hamas accuses Abu Shabab and his militia of cooperating with the Israeli military, including involvement in looting humanitarian aid.

Abu Shabab has publicly admitted to coordinating with the Israeli army for logistical support and stated his forces assist the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza operations, though he claims their role does not extend beyond that. The Joint Operations Room of Palestinian Resistance Factions has condemned Abu Shabab and his group as traitors stripped of their Palestinian identity, declaring their blood forfeit and vowing no mercy toward them or those who collaborate with the Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, two other armed groups affiliated with Fatah, led by Yasser Khanidek and Rami Khalas, are reportedly operating in Gaza in coordination with the IDF and receiving salaries from the Palestinian Authority, actively fighting Hamas in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Shuja’iya. Hamas's ultimatum and the condemnation from Palestinian resistance factions highlight escalating tensions within Gaza between Hamas and rival militias backed by Israel.