Sky News reveals that Israel is backing four anti-Hamas militias operating behind the “yellow line,” the ceasefire boundary for IDF troops. Militia leader Hossam al-Astal said he and others – Yasser Abu Shabab, Rami Halas, and Ashraf al-Mansi – are part of a joint plan to “remove Hamas” and establish “The New Gaza.” His group operates less than 700 meters from Israeli positions, coordinating logistics and supply deliveries with the IDF through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Sky found similar coordination in northern Gaza, with militias receiving aid and vehicles via Israeli and PA channels, and possible Gulf backing, including ties to UAE-linked forces in Yemen. Al-Astal says, “Our project is ‘The New Gaza’ — no war, no Hamas, no terrorism.”
Israel is backing four separate anti-Hamas militias in Gaza, Sky News has confirmed.
Militia leader Hossam Al Astal says they are part of an "official project" backed by Israel, the Palestinian Authority and unspecified Arab and Western states.