Emerging Armed Groups in Gaza Eye Role in Future Peace Plans

Sat Nov 22 2025 06:35:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the conflict in Gaza evolves, various armed groups opposed to Hamas are positioning themselves for potential roles in future governance structures under new U.S. peace initiatives. Amid ongoing scrutiny, their legitimacy and long-term impact remain contentious.

In the shifting landscape of Gaza, armed groups formed in opposition to Hamas, including the Popular Forces and the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, are seeking greater involvement in governance post-conflict. Though some militia leaders claim U.S. backing for future roles in Gaza's security forces, local sentiment is divided, with concerns over their legitimacy and the potential ramifications of foreign support.

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 affiliated with family clans and criminal gangs, alongside newer militias some of which are reportedly backed by Israel.

Elements from the Palestinian Authority, a rival to Hamas, are also believed to provide covert support. However, this new array of militias has not been officially recognized in the U.S. peace plan, which proposes an International Stabilisation Force and a newly-trained Palestinian police to secure Gaza.

One of the largest militia groups, the Popular Forces led by Yasser Abu Shabab, operates near Rafah. In a social media video, Abu Shabab's deputy discussed their coordination with international efforts to run Gaza.

Similarly, Hossam al-Astal, leader of the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force near Khan Younis, claims U.S. representatives indicated his group would be included in future security frameworks in Gaza. He noted that despite the informal nature of his group, their influence and resources are growing.

Support for these militia groups is causing unease among many Gazans, who feel that a fragmented armed response could lead to more chaos rather than stability. Criticism towards these factions continues to mount, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their roles and the broader implications for Palestinian governance.

As these armed groups vie for legitimacy and power in a changed Gaza, their complex relationships with both foreign powers and local populations raise critical questions regarding the future trajectory of Gaza's political and security landscape.