Netanyahu Acknowledges Arming Palestinian Clans Amid Allegations of Criminal Ties
Israeli Prime Minister confirms support for clans in Gaza purportedly opposing Hamas, amid rising criticisms and humanitarian crises.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged the arming of certain clans in Gaza that the government claims are opposed to Hamas.
This revelation follows allegations that clan members have engaged in looting humanitarian aid and that they are connected to jihadist factions.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu authorized the provision of weapons to a clan led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a local figure known for his criminal ties.
Israeli defense sources assert that weapons supplied include Kalashnikov assault rifles, some of which were reportedly seized from Hamas.
In a video statement posted on social media, Netanyahu defended the action, stating, "On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas.
What’s wrong with that?
It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers, and publicizing this only benefits Hamas."
The initiative has faced substantial criticism from opposition parties within Israel.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, criticized Netanyahu on social media, calling him a threat to national security and accusing him of creating "a new ticking time bomb in Gaza" instead of pursuing peace negotiations and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.
As the region marked the start of Eid al-Adha on Friday, Palestinians in Gaza faced critical humanitarian conditions, with reports indicating dwindling food supplies and an ongoing crisis exacerbated by recent violence.
Humanitarian aid distribution points managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation briefly reopened but subsequently closed after a series of incidents, including the shootings of 27 Palestinians by Israeli forces earlier in the week.
The United Nations has stated that over 2,700 children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition.
Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, resulting in the death of 38 Palestinians on Friday alone, including 11 in a single strike in northern Gaza.
In combat operations, Israel reported four soldiers killed.
Amidst allegations surrounding Abu Shabab, former Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed that the clan's group is affiliated with the Islamic State.
Lieberman criticized the government's decision to arm what he described as a group of criminals associated with extremist factions.
The basis for his assertions regarding the alleged ties was not clearly established.
Abu Shabab has gained attention for operating alongside Israeli soldiers in areas under IDF control, as evidenced by videos circulating on social media.
His family has publicly disowned him, condemning his collaboration with Israeli forces and declaring that they would not accept his return.
In a statement, the family expressed their disapproval of his actions, stressing that his involvement constituted betrayal against the Palestinian cause.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation stating that they faced numerous incidents obstructing relief efforts, including multiple cases where gunmen targeted aid convoy drivers.
The organization temporarily halted aid distribution following recent violent incidents.
Moreover, the conflict continues to evolve, with the Israeli military conducting operations aimed at hampering Hamas’ capabilities while navigating public sentiment and ongoing humanitarian demands amid a protracted military campaign in Gaza.
This revelation follows allegations that clan members have engaged in looting humanitarian aid and that they are connected to jihadist factions.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu authorized the provision of weapons to a clan led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a local figure known for his criminal ties.
Israeli defense sources assert that weapons supplied include Kalashnikov assault rifles, some of which were reportedly seized from Hamas.
In a video statement posted on social media, Netanyahu defended the action, stating, "On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas.
What’s wrong with that?
It only saves the lives of Israeli soldiers, and publicizing this only benefits Hamas."
The initiative has faced substantial criticism from opposition parties within Israel.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, criticized Netanyahu on social media, calling him a threat to national security and accusing him of creating "a new ticking time bomb in Gaza" instead of pursuing peace negotiations and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.
As the region marked the start of Eid al-Adha on Friday, Palestinians in Gaza faced critical humanitarian conditions, with reports indicating dwindling food supplies and an ongoing crisis exacerbated by recent violence.
Humanitarian aid distribution points managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation briefly reopened but subsequently closed after a series of incidents, including the shootings of 27 Palestinians by Israeli forces earlier in the week.
The United Nations has stated that over 2,700 children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition.
Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, resulting in the death of 38 Palestinians on Friday alone, including 11 in a single strike in northern Gaza.
In combat operations, Israel reported four soldiers killed.
Amidst allegations surrounding Abu Shabab, former Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed that the clan's group is affiliated with the Islamic State.
Lieberman criticized the government's decision to arm what he described as a group of criminals associated with extremist factions.
The basis for his assertions regarding the alleged ties was not clearly established.
Abu Shabab has gained attention for operating alongside Israeli soldiers in areas under IDF control, as evidenced by videos circulating on social media.
His family has publicly disowned him, condemning his collaboration with Israeli forces and declaring that they would not accept his return.
In a statement, the family expressed their disapproval of his actions, stressing that his involvement constituted betrayal against the Palestinian cause.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation stating that they faced numerous incidents obstructing relief efforts, including multiple cases where gunmen targeted aid convoy drivers.
The organization temporarily halted aid distribution following recent violent incidents.
Moreover, the conflict continues to evolve, with the Israeli military conducting operations aimed at hampering Hamas’ capabilities while navigating public sentiment and ongoing humanitarian demands amid a protracted military campaign in Gaza.