A prominent Palestinian militia leader in Gaza who opposed Hamas has been killed in a dispute between family members. Yasser Abu Shabab, the head of the Popular Forces group, died after being shot while attempting to resolve a conflict within his own tribe.
Abu Shabab was a key figure in the Gaza peace process, but his role was threatened by the emergence of other anti-Hamas factions.
The killing has sparked tensions between Hamas and the Popular Forces, with both sides accusing each other of involvement. However, a statement from Abu Shabab’s tribe described him as a martyr who was killed ‘at the hands of the resistance’.
Israel’s government has been secretly arming Palestinian clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas, in an effort to weaken the Islamist group. The Popular Forces have denied receiving any such support.
The killing of Abu Shabab is just the latest development in a complex and volatile conflict in Gaza. As the peace process continues, it remains to be seen whether the Popular Forces will be able to fill the power vacuum left by Abu Shabab’s death.
Source: www.bbc.com
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