Hamas escalates campaign against militia leadership
In a recent statement, Hamas's Rada Force, an internal security unit focused on countering threats, has instructed members of armed groups it refers to as 'collaborator gangs' to eliminate their leaders. This strategy marks a significant shift in approach as Hamas tries to undermine organizations it accuses of aligning with Israel. Following a reported agreement to transfer heavy weapons as part of a potential ceasefire plan.
The Rada Force reportedly captured a Palestinian connected to top members of these militias and seized weapons and money from him. It thanked the public for reporting any suspicious activity and urged continued efforts to isolate these groups. Sources in Gaza suggest that Hamas is deeply troubled by these groups' persistent presence, even though they lack widespread public support.
Peace plan details and militia threats
The call to eliminate militia leaders has emerged after Hamas revealed a proposed roadmap for a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. According to the plan, Hamas would hand over its heavy weapons to the Palestinian technocratic committee. This is a transitional administration body expected to manage the Gaza Strip under a post-war governance scheme. Importantly, the agreement reportedly mandates the dismantling of anti-Hamas militias. It also excludes their members from new security and police positions.
Nonetheless, Gaza sources indicate that Hamas continues to view these groups as a threat to its power and control over the Strip. One Palestinian informed The Jerusalem Post that Hamas is actively trying to 'stop them from gaining strength.' Another source highlighted that Hamas is making efforts to 'damage their image' in the public eye. They are using offers of amnesty to persuade members to return to mainstream society.
Pardons and public pressure
The Rada Force has also extended a pardon to pro-Israel militiamen who are willing to renounce their roles. It describes it as a 'golden opportunity' to resolve what it terms 'the mire of betrayal.' The statement claims that the group has handled the cases of 17 individuals linked to these militias. It reiterated its position that the concept of such groups has been 'dead from the start.'
Despite these claims, doubts persist. A Gaza militia leader reportedly told The Jerusalem Post that he 'does not believe Hamas will disarm' and that the agreement 'will not happen.' Tensions between Hamas and these newly created groups remain high as the conflict continues.
The Rada Force expressed gratitude for what it described as the public's sense of national and ethical duty, encouraging Gaza residents to immediately report any suspicious behavior or the locations of 'wanted collaborators.' It claimed to have arrested a Palestinian closely tied to senior militia collaborators and that his weapons and money were taken. The force emphasized the public's role in supporting national security and urged residents to continue cooperating.
The Rada Force also stated that it is addressing family requests to resolve the cases of sons who have joined 'collaborator gangs,' particularly those who feel remorse and wish to return to 'the right path.' Three days ago, a source in the Rada Force said that Hamas has addressed the cases of 17 individuals linked to these militias. The source reiterated that the idea of these militias was 'dead from the beginning,' and warned that the occupying forces would not protect them. The Rada Force renewed its call for all gang members to return to their communities before it is too late.
The Rada Force claimed in the statement that it offers a pardon to pro-Israel militiamen who repent, giving them a chance to leave these groups and return to society. The force claimed it is handling requests from families to resolve the cases of their sons who have joined the 'collaborator gangs,' especially those who express regret and wish to return to 'the right path.'
As part of the Rada Force's ongoing campaign against armed groups in the Gaza Strip, it has taken a public stance against 'collaborator gangs' and their leaders. The group stated that 'assassinating senior collaborators in these groups will be your salvation before us and before your people.' It is calling on members of these groups to 'come to us, we'll embrace you and take care of you,' in an effort to gain support from former members and weaken the groups' influence.