EXPLAINERNews|Israel-Palestine conflictWho is Ghassan al-Duhaini, Abu Shabab’s successor?After Yasser Abu Shabab was killed, al-Duhaini has pledged to continue the Popular Forces’ campaign against Hamas.
## Leadership Transition in Popular Forces Militia
Leadership Transition in Popular Forces Militia
Following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab, aged 32, who was the leader of the "Popular Forces" militia in Rafah, Ghassan al-Duhaini has been named as his successor. Abu Shabab was killed on Thu, Oct 5, 2023, reportedly during a family dispute mediation. Al-Duhaini, also injured in the same incident, appeared in a video online wearing military attire and accompanied by masked fighters under his command.
Ghassan al-Duhaini, aged 39, has reportedly been the de facto leader of the group, with Palestinian media sources noting his experience and age. Al-Duhaini was born on October 3, 1987, in Rafah, southern Gaza, and is a member of the Tarabin Bedouin tribe. He previously served as a first lieutenant in the Palestinian Authority security forces and later joined Jaysh al-Islam, an armed faction with ties to ISIL (ISIS).
The militia officially announced al-Duhaini as its new commander on their Facebook page on Fri, Oct 6, 2023. Al-Duhaini has committed to continuing the group's operations against Hamas. The militia released a video featuring al-Duhaini inspecting a formation of armed fighters, emphasizing that the group remains operational despite the leadership change.
Following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab, aged 32, who was the leader of the "Popular Forces" militia in Rafah, Ghassan al-Duhaini has been named as his successor.
Hamas has listed al-Duhaini among its most wanted individuals, accusing him of collaboration with Israel and other activities. Al-Duhaini has been active on social media, appearing in a video showing the militia capturing and interrogating Hamas members. There have been two assassination attempts on al-Duhaini by Hamas, resulting in the death of his brother and narrowly missing him in another incident.
Overview of the Popular Forces Militia
The Popular Forces militia gained prominence in 2024 under Abu Shabab's leadership. The group operates near Israeli military sites, with an estimated 100 to 300 fighters. The militia is based in eastern Rafah, near the Karem Abu Salem crossing, and a second unit operates in western Rafah. Reports have indicated that the group has engaged in intercepting aid convoys and firing on civilians, with oversight from the Israeli army.
Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Israel's intelligence agency, Shin Bet, played a role in the recruitment of Abu Shabab's gang. This initiative, described as a "pilot project," involved supplying the militia with a limited number of weapons. Some Israeli security officials remain skeptical about the group's potential as an alternative governance structure to Hamas.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
