Yasser Abu Shabab, identified as the leader of the Popular Forces militia in Gaza, has been reported killed. The Popular Forces group operates in territory near the southern city of Rafah.
The Popular Forces issued a statement asserting that Abu Shabab was shot while attempting to mediate a dispute between members of the Abu Seneima family. The group described reports of Hamas involvement in his death as "misleading." Hamas had previously accused Abu Shabab of collaborating with Israel.
An earlier statement from Abu Shabab's Bedouin tribe, the Tarabin, alleged he was killed "at the hands of the resistance" and accused him of betraying the Palestinian people. Other sources indicated his death was the result of an internal power struggle. Hamas released a statement asserting that the "fate that befell" Abu Shabab was "the inevitable fate of all who betray their people and homeland and are content to be tools in the hands of the occupation [Israel]"; however, Hamas did not claim responsibility for his killing.
Regarding medical treatment, Israel's Army Radio, citing a security source, reported that Abu Shabab died of his wounds after being transported to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, Israel. Soroka Hospital subsequently denied that he died under their care.
The Popular Forces' statement concluded with a pledge to continue on Abu Shabab's "path until the last terrorist is eliminated from the soil of Gaza and a bright and secure future is built for our people, who believe in peace."