In brief
As Gaza grapples with the ramifications of ongoing conflict, various armed factions, including family clans and criminal gangs, have emerged to challenge Hamas's dominance. These groups, some reportedly supported by Israel, aim to play a key role in securing Gaza's future in line with US President Donald Trump's peace plan. However, many locals express concern over the rise of these militias, fearing they may bring about further instability rather than peace.
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 militias – 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.
These militias operate in their own local areas inside the 53% of Gaza's territory currently controlled by Israeli forces. However, they 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.
One of the largest armed groups is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, whose Popular Forces operate near the southern city of Rafah. The deputy of this militia speaks of coordinating with the Board of Peace - an international body expected to oversee Gaza under the proposed peace plan.
Hossam al-Astal, another militia leader from Khan Younis's Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, claims US representatives have assured him of his group's inclusion in Gaza's future police force. Despite official denials from the US, Militia leaders express optimism about the future.
Nonetheless, the local populace remains skeptical, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the growing influence of these fragmented armed groups. Critics warn that the backing of militia factions could lead to further violence and instability.
As different factions vie for power amidst the chaotic backdrop of Gaza, the question remains whether they can navigate their way into a stable future or if they will further complicate the region's conflicts.
