Image: from Eli Afriat X @EliAfriatISR
JERUSALEM – In a significant development from Gaza, several anti-Hamas militias have voiced strong support for former President Donald Trump’s peace plan, aiming to end the ongoing war in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages. This comes as ongoing negotiations in Egypt focus on the U.S.-proposed roadmap for peace, with new reports revealing growing divisions within Gaza and a potential shift in local governance.
In a video released by the U.S.-based Center for Peace Communications (CPC), militia leaders openly declared their support for Trump’s peace initiative, offering a rare glimpse into the complex and evolving landscape in Gaza. The militias, which have long resisted the rule of the Hamas terrorist group, believe that the peace plan offers a pathway to halt the bloodshed that has ravaged the region for years.
A Shift in Gaza’s Power Dynamics
The video, obtained by Fox News Digital, highlighted endorsements from three major anti-Hamas factions in Gaza. Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the Popular Forces militia in Rafah, explained, “We see in President Trump’s plan a path to halt the bloodshed and bring peace to the Middle East.” Ashraf Al-Mansi, the leader of the Popular Northern Forces, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We, in the People’s Army, Northern Forces in the Gaza Strip, extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump.”
Rami Hillis, leader of the Popular Defense Forces, added that his group, along with honorable clans in Gaza, would “exert our utmost efforts and our capabilities to ensure the success of this proposal.” These militias are determined to push for a political shift in Gaza and to challenge the control Hamas has maintained for over 17 years.
Escalation in the Fight Against Hamas
The growing strength of these anti-Hamas groups was evident in a recent escalation of violence in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Last week, clashes between anti-Hamas militias and Hamas terrorists reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Hamas militants, including a commander. These violent confrontations mark the first time that these militias have successfully engaged Hamas in direct combat and driven them from local areas.
Michael Nahum from the CPC remarked, “This marks the first time that anti-Hamas militias have proven on the ground their ability to challenge Hamas in open combat and to expel them from their areas. We have seen minor clashes before, but this seems to mark a major escalation.”
According to reports from the CPC, the deadly clashes occurred after Hamas’ infamous “Sahm Unit” entered Khan Younis, reportedly to arrest local Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel. The situation escalated as Hamas attempted to detain civilians and transfer them to a hospital for interrogation, a tactic that drew sharp resistance from local militias.
Use of Hospitals as Military Bases
On the same day as the clashes, Israel’s Defense Forces revealed that Hamas had been using medical facilities in Gaza as bases for military operations. Two hospitals, including the Jordanian Field Hospital and Hamad Hospital, were found to have sophisticated terrorist tunnels on their premises. These tunnels were reportedly being used to produce missiles and conduct military operations.
The use of hospitals for military purposes is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. In response to the situation, Hamas claimed they had entered Khan Younis to target Palestinians believed to be collaborating with Israel, though this assertion has been widely disputed.
Growing Anti-Hamas Movement
The resistance from local clans, such as the al-Mujaida family in southern Gaza, has further undermined Hamas’ authority in the region. When roughly 50 Hamas terrorists, armed with rocket-propelled grenades and other heavy weaponry, attempted to assault the al-Mujaida clan, the local fighters mounted a significant defense. In the process, five members of the al-Mujaida family were reportedly killed by Hamas militants.
Israel is believed to have provided some support to these militias in their fight against Hamas. The anti-Hamas militias have reportedly been gaining ground, with estimates suggesting that there are now four or even as many as ten active militias operating in Gaza. The CPC’s Nahum suggested that these groups, with increasing support and coordination, may be on the verge of fundamentally shifting the power dynamics in Gaza. “For the first time in a generation, we really might be looking at the end of Hamas rule in Gaza,” Nahum said.
A New Hope for Gaza’s Future?
The growing support for Trump’s peace plan from Gaza’s anti-Hamas militias is a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict. With Hamas’ grip on power facing increasing challenges from within Gaza itself, the U.S.-backed peace plan could offer a potential pathway to peace—though many obstacles remain.
Despite Hamas’s stronghold, it is clear that not all Palestinians in Gaza are aligned with the terrorist group’s objectives. The rise of anti-Hamas militias and their increasing willingness to confront Hamas in open combat signals a shift in the region’s complex political landscape. As these militias continue to grow in strength and influence, the possibility of an end to Hamas’ reign becomes more plausible.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on the peace process, with hopes that President Trump’s plan can help bring stability to a region torn apart by years of violence and strife. However, with ongoing clashes and an uncertain future, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.
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