Exclusive: Yasser Abu Shabab Survives Gaza Security Operation as Brother Killed

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Palestinian security forces carried out an operation targeting armed gangs related to ISIS and Israel involved in aid theft. Yasser Abu Shabab, a known leader of these groups, survived the operation, while his brother and key accomplice, Fathi Abu Shabab, was killed, sources revealed to Quds News Network.

Targeting Aid Thieves and Collaborators

The security operation, conducted by Gaza’s “Sahm” unit, focused on gangs that has been intercepting humanitarian aid trucks in eastern Rafah. These groups operate under the protection of Israeli forces, enabling large-scale looting and sabotage of relief efforts in the besieged Strip.

Sources claim the Abu Shabab gang had recently seized a gas truck, setting it ablaze to block roads and prevent aid deliveries. The gang’s activities, described as coordinated with the Israeli military, have contributed to worsening humanitarian conditions, particularly in areas facing severe food shortages.

National Support for the Operation

The Palestinian Follow-Up Committee of National and Islamic Forces commended the Interior Ministry’s actions, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Gaza’s internal security. In a statement, the committee warned that crimes such as aid theft and extortion exacerbate the already dire situation and urged merchants to act responsibly.

“These actions are as harmful as the occupation’s blockade and starvation policies,” the statement read, calling for a united effort to eliminate criminal activities targeting displaced and impoverished communities

The Role of Israel in Aid Theft

Reports from international outlets, including Haaretz and The Washington Post, have corroborated reports that these criminal gangs are affiliated to ISIS and operate under the protection of Israeli forces. Witnesses and internal UN memos indicate that gangs looting aid convoys are often seen near Israeli military positions, where Israeli soldiers take no action against them.

Instead, local Palestinian police face resistance and even direct attacks from Israeli forces when attempting to protect aid shipments. This dynamic has intensified humanitarian challenges, with aid agencies warning of a looming famine in Gaza’s southern regions.

A History of Criminal Activity

Yasser Abu Shabab has a known history of drug smuggling and collaboration with extremist groups. His gang, consisting of over 200 armed individuals, has established a fortified base in an Israeli-controlled zone in Rafah. This area, referred to as a “death zone,” is typically inaccessible to Gaza residents, further raising suspicions of Israeli complicity in the gang’s activities.