Emerging Militias in Gaza Seek to Challenge Hamas

As Hamas takes advantage of a temporary ceasefire to strengthen its position in the Gaza Strip, a few nascent Palestinian militias express intentions to create an alternative force. Shawqi Abu Nasira, one of their leaders, described this lull in hostilities as a “kiss of life” for Hamas, cautioning that the group is using this time to rebuild.

“Hamas is working for Iran,” he noted, acknowledging the group’s weakened state but emphasizing that the ceasefire has allowed them to regroup and improve their preparedness. He expressed gratitude towards former President Trump for actions taken against Hamas, including freezing their assets and labeling the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist entity.

Abu Nasira, who once served in the Palestinian Authority police and spent 16 years incarcerated in Israeli prisons, currently leads a small faction of fighters located east of the Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli control. “I had no choice but to flee Hamas, so I was forced to move,” he explained about his relocation.

According to a pan-Arab media outlet called Jusour, Abu Nasira’s exile followed a personal tragedy when Hamas killed his only son and publicly displayed his body, an event that deepened his resolve against the group.

He admitted that his group is relatively small, stating, “I have dozens of fighters fighting alongside me right now.” However, he believes many Gazans resonate with his sentiments. “People are now living in tents, starving, and lacking medicine. They don’t want Hamas,” he argued.

The ceasefire has unveiled a disordered landscape filled with militias, clan networks, and local associations that have emerged as Hamas’s power weakens. While none of these groups rival Hamas in size or resources, several have gained notable attention.

Among these are the People’s Army of Rafah, the People’s Army of North Gaza, and the Anti-Terrorist Strike Force of Khan Younis. Clan-based networks, such as the al-Majida and Dogmosh families, are also involved. Their alliances tend to shift frequently, reflecting the chaotic environment in which they’re operating.

Abu Nasira indicated many of these factions have established communication. “They are our brothers and sisters,” he said, highlighting that they are uniting against Hamas due to shared grievances and experiences. Initial efforts are being made to unify these groups under a single political umbrella, with plans to act as a National Guard for Eastern Gaza.

He is adamant that Palestinians should lead the effort to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. “We need your help to win this war. We can end it within months,” he claimed, pressing the notion that outside interference should be minimized.

Abu Nasira dismissed fears about being labeled as collaborators. “In Gaza, if you say no to Hamas, you could be executed. But everyone knows that now, and we are no longer afraid,” he stated confidently.

In his address to Americans, he underscored the broader implications of the situation, stating that the fight against terrorism extends beyond Gaza. “As long as the triangle of Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran remains intact, it poses a global threat,” he warned.

Rejecting the so-called “Disneyland Strategy,” which suggests creating a civilian area to pressure Hamas, he argued, “There’s no need to give them time to get stronger.” As Hamas reasserts its control under the ceasefire, Abu Nasira emphasized that Palestinians are prepared to fight for their future and believe a unified alternative can still be created with the right support.