Daesh-linked gang leader looting Gaza aid under Israeli protection: Report
A criminal gang leader tied to the Da’esh terrorist group has emerged in the besieged Gaza Strip under Israeli protection, plundering the limited humanitarian aid convoys entering the war-torn territory amid a 12-week Israeli siege, according to a report by Palestinian media.
The report, ran by the Quds News Network, indicated that Yasser Abu Shabab and his armed gangs had re-emerged under the guise of “securing aid,” wearing uniforms and claiming to safeguard the limited humanitarian assistance entering the Strip.
The Israeli regime allowed on Sunday the entry of a small number of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip after imposing a total siege on March 2, following international pressure and widespread condemnation as the Palestinian territory faces a looming famine.
“These gangs have 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,” the report said.
“The gangs’ activities, described as coordinated with the Israeli military, have contributed to worsening humanitarian conditions, particularly in areas facing severe food shortages.”
The report underlined that Abu Shabab had “established a fortified base in an Israeli-controlled zone in Rafah,” routinely looting aid convoys, especially in areas like eastern Rafah and the Karem Abu Salem border crossing.
International outlets, including The Washington Post and Israeli newspaper Haaretz, also confirmed reports that Abu Shabab’s gangs were affiliated with Daesh and operated under the protection of Israeli forces.
Citing witnesses and internal UN memos, the outlets said the gangs were involved in looting aid convoys while they were often seen near Israeli military positions, with the occupation forces neither intervening nor preventing the theft.
“I saw one Israeli tank, and a Palestinian armed with a Kalashnikov [rifle] just 100 metres [about 328 feet] from it,” a senior official in Gaza told Haaretz, pointing to the armed gangs raiding aid convoys entering through Karem Abu Salem.
“The armed men beat the drivers and take all the food if they aren’t paid [protection money].”
Abu Shabab has also been seen posting on social media, boasting of his gang’s coordination while his armed men beat aid drivers and demand protection money.
Media reports also said Israel had systematically targeted Palestinian police and security officers assigned to guard aid deliveries.
“While Israel enables and facilitates the looting, its propaganda blames Hamas for stealing aid, deflecting responsibility and masking its own role in orchestrating chaos and famine in Gaza,” reports said.
Around 31 aid trucks passed by the main roundabout at Salah Adin Street near Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday, but the Abu Shabab’s gangs opened fire on the convoy, attempting to seize the desperately needed supplies.
Local reports said a group of Palestinian security officers intervened to stop the attack, yet Israeli forces directed missiles at the armed groups, killing six officers while trying to protect the aid.
The Palestinian Civil Society Network condemned the raid, stressing that the trucks were carrying supplies designated for bakeries in Gaza City and northern Gaza.
Gaza’s Government Media Office said in a statement that Israel launched eight strikes on the security guards protecting the aid.
“It has become clear that the occupation army is operating in a systematic way to enable looting the aid and medicine trucks to ensure that they do not reach those who need them.”
Abu Shabab, who has a known history of drug smuggling and collaboration with extremist groups, seized a gas truck in Gaza last year and set it ablaze to block roads and prevent aid deliveries.
The Israeli regime maintained a complete blockade on Gaza for 12 consecutive weeks since March 2, preventing all humanitarian aid from entering the territory.
Rights organizations has slammed Israel for using starvation as a weapon of war against Palestinians.
The Israeli regime has also mounted its aggression on the Gaza Strip since a 2-month ceasefire with Hamas broke down in March.
Israel launched its genocidal war against Gaza on October 7, 2023. According to the health ministry of Gaza, it has killed at least 53,800 Palestinians there so far, mostly women and children.
