Above photo: Hossam al-Astal.
To Dismantle Hamas.
Hamas has been confronting Israeli-backed militias in Gaza since the ceasefire, and is said to be planning its ‘largest yet’ crackdown.
Israel is backing four militias as part of a project to oust Hamas and create a “new Gaza,” according to a report released by Sky News on 25 October.
These armed groups – which throughout the war have been engaged in hostilities against Hamas on behalf of Israel – are currently operating along the Yellow Line of Washington’s ceasefire map, in Israeli-held territory.
A Sky News investigation identified four Palestinian militias opposed to Hamas now operating in Israeli-controlled areas along the yellow line under the Trump ceasefire map.
They are led by Ashraf al-Mansi (north), Fatah-affiliated clan leader Rami Khalas (east Gaza City),… pic.twitter.com/EXsx7tDLoA
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 26, 2025
“We have an official project – me, [Yasser] Abu Shabab, [Rami] Khalas, and [Ashraf] al Mansi,” militia leader Hossam al-Astal, a Palestinian Bedouin with links to the Palestinian Authority (PA), told Sky News.
“We are all for ‘The New Gaza.’ Soon we will achieve full control of the Gaza Strip and will gather under one umbrella,” he added.
According to footage which was geolocated by Sky News, the headquarters of Astal’s militia in south Gaza’s Khan Yunis lies on a military road less than 700 meters from an Israeli army outpost.
“I’m hearing the sound of tanks now while I’m speaking, perhaps they’re out on patrol or something, but I’m not worried. They don’t engage us, and we don’t engage them … We’ve agreed, through the coordinator, that this is a green zone, not to be targeted by shelling or gunfire,” Astal went on to say.
Astal added that the rifles used by his gang members are purchased from former Hamas fighters on the black market. “Ammunition and vehicles, on the other hand, are delivered through the Kerem Shalom border crossing after coordination with the Israeli military.”
Karem Shalom crossing is also used by ISIS-linked drug-trafficker and smuggler Yasser Abu Shabab, who leads his own anti-Hamas militia with Israel’s backing.
According to Sky News, Astal and Abu Shabab use the same car dealer to smuggle vehicles into Gaza. Hebrew writing can be seen on some of the vehicles used by these groups.
Al Mansi’s militia sits to the north of Gaza city. Last week, we confirmed Israeli support by geolocating footage of members driving a convoy of supplies from the direction of Israeli positions near the Erez crossing. pic.twitter.com/II26JxJm4s
— Sam Doak (@SamDoak5) October 25, 2025
Abu Shabab’s militia is said to be the largest, and consists of at least 2,000 fighters. It is based in the southernmost city of Rafah, which was completely destroyed by Israeli forces during the genocide.
Rami Khalas (or Halles), an anti-Hamas activist affiliated with the Fatah party, is also leading an Israeli-backed militia in northern Gaza.
The fourth leader participating in the so-called “New Gaza” project is Ashraf al-Mansi, who leads a group in north Gaza called the People’s Army. Mansi’s group is said to be the weakest of the militias in Gaza.
Sky News has revealed that these groups are receiving backing from Arab states as well.
A photo featured in the report shows Abu Shabab’s deputy Ghassan al-Duhine, standing near a vehicle with a UAE-registered license plate.
Additionally, the logos of two of the militias, one of them led by Astal, are nearly identical to those used by UAE-backed groups in Yemen. The UAE did not respond to a request for comment from the outlet.
Sky News found that logos used by the Israel-backed militias in Gaza mirror those of UAE-backed groups in Yemen, and vehicles with UAE license plates have been spotted at militia sites. The findings point to a clear Emirati role in supporting the so-called “New Gaza” project. pic.twitter.com/Sz2JKfZobr
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 26, 2025
When asked if the militias were receiving UAE support, Astal told Sky News: “God willing, in time everything will become clear. But yes, there are Arab countries that support our project.”
Regarding links to the PA, Astal said, “I have people within my group who are still, to this day, employees of the Palestinian Authority.”
The PA, who previously denied having links to any of these militias, did not respond to Sky News’s questions.
“Very soon, God willing, you will see this for yourselves; we will become the new administration of Gaza. Our project is ‘The New Gaza.’ No war, at peace with everyone – no Hamas, no terrorism,” he added.
US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner, who is involved in ceasefire and post-war efforts, recently used the phrase ‘New Gaza.’
“There are considerations happening now in the area that the IDF controls, as long as that can be secured, to start the construction as a new Gaza in order to give the Palestinians living in Gaza a place to go, a place to get jobs, a place to live,” Kushner said during the week.
Other reports have indicated an Arab unwillingness to initiate reconstruction in areas still held by Hamas.
This falls in line with a broader US-Israeli plan to divide Gaza, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The proposal envisions splitting the enclave into two zones – one under Israeli control and one under Hamas – with reconstruction limited to the Israeli-held area until Hamas is disarmed and removed from power, effectively cementing a “new Gaza” under prolonged Israeli oversight.
US-Israeli plan to SPLIT GAZA IN TWO sparks Arab rejection and fears of lasting occupation
——
According to the Wall Street Journal, the US and Israel are considering a plan to divide the Gaza Strip into two zones, one controlled by Israel and the other by Hamas, with… pic.twitter.com/DDULJk5oqm— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 23, 2025
Hamas has been cracking down on gangs supported by Israel. Throughout the war, these groups – including Abu Shabab’s militia and others – carried out extensive aid looting (to blame on Hamas) and provided Israeli forces with intelligence for military operations.
In mid-October, Gaza’s Interior Ministry forces clashed with armed groups and killed dozens of fighters. Scores of others have been apprehended. An amnesty period announced by authorities in Gaza – strictly for militia members who were not involved in killings – has expired.
According to Gaza Interior Ministry sources who spoke with Mondoweiss on 21 October, Hamas is preparing for its “largest yet” crackdown on Israeli-backed militias.
“Our evidence demonstrates that these individuals are implicated in acts of sabotage, kidnappings, the execution of civilians, looting aid, offering armed cover for the occupation, and receiving logistical and financial support from the occupation,” one of the sources said.
