In brief
In Gaza, numerous armed groups opposed to Hamas are emerging as key players. While some are receiving covert support from Israel and the Palestinian Authority, their inclusion in the future governance of Gaza remains uncertain. Militia leaders express confidence in securing roles under the proposed US-led peace plan despite widespread skepticism among Gaza's populace regarding these groups' legitimacy.
Urgent questions are being raised over a patchwork of armed groups that have emerged to fight Hamas in Gaza over recent months.
They include groups based around family clans, criminal gangs, and new militia – some of which are backed by Israel, as its prime minister recently admitted.
Elements within the Palestinian Authority - which governs parts of the occupied West Bank and is a political rival to Hamas - are also believed to be covertly sending support.
But these militia - each operating in its own local area inside the 53% of Gaza's territory currently controlled by Israeli forces - have not been officially included in US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which calls for an International Stabilisation Force and a newly-trained Palestinian police force to secure Gaza in the next stage of the deal.
One of the largest militia is headed by Yasser Abu Shabab, whose Popular Forces operate near the southern city of Rafah.
In one recent social media video, his deputy talks about working in coordination with the Board of Peace - the international body to be tasked with running Gaza under the plan.
Hossam al-Astal, who leads the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force militia near the southern city of Khan Younis, told Israeli media this week that 'US representatives' had confirmed his group would have a role in Gaza's future police force.
A US official said they had nothing to announce at this time.
Earlier this month, Astal grinned when I asked if he had spoken to the Americans about the future, and told me he would share the details soon.
He expressed confidence about his group’s future role, stating, 'Yes,' he said, with a big smile.
Hossam al-Astal once worked for the Palestinian Authority. His group is small - maybe tens of fighters - but is increasingly confident, and runs a well-supplied tent city near Khan Younis.
He remarked, 'Let's say it's not the right time for me to answer this question,' when asked about Israeli support. 'But we co-ordinate with the Israeli side to bring in food, weapons, everything.'
As the situation develops, these armed groups face skepticism from many Gazans, including those disillusioned with Hamas. Citizens express concerns that the rise of these militias could lead to instability rather than peace.
While some militia leaders appear optimistic about their inclusion in Gaza's future governance, others warn that many locals see these factions as threats rather than solutions.
Ultimately, the future of these armed groups and their role in Gaza's political landscape remains a complex and contentious issue, with potential implications for long-term stability in the region.
