The 4 Palestinian armed groups are presently fighting Hamas to take control of the Gaza Strip with the support of the West and Israel. All formations operate in areas controlled by Israel's defence Forces behind the alleged "yellow line" established under the ceasefire.
Hossam al-Astal, leader of 1 of the militias, revealed the existence of a common task to remove Hamas from power. "We have an authoritative project. We are all in favour of "New Gaza" and shortly we will gain full control of the region and unite under 1 name" - said al-Astal.
The Dramatic past of the Militia Leader
Al-Astal is presently in Chan Junus, the second largest city in the Gaza Strip. In 2010, he was forced to flee the region as Hamas sought him for membership in groups affiliated with the Palestinian Authority.
He spent the next 11 years abroad working for the services of Autonomy in Egypt and Malaysia. 2 months after his return to the Gaza Strip, he was accused of participating in the 2018 attack on a Hamas associate in Malaysia and sentenced to death.
Escape from prison during the war
"When the war broke out, they left us locked up, hoping the Israelis would bomb the prison and get free of us. 2 months later we broke down the door and ran" - said al-Astal.
The militias supply the black marketplace with erstwhile Hamas militants, and part of the weapons they receive outside the Gaza Strip in agreement with the Israeli military. The al-Astala group presently provides medical care and education to about 30 families.
Coordination by the Israeli Ministry
Sky News has revealed that coordination with the Israeli army takes place through the territory Coordination Office. It is part of the Ministry of Defence of Israel, but it besides includes officials of the Palestinian Authority.
"There are people in my group who are employees of the Palestinian Authority to this day, but she cannot confirm direct links with us" - al-Astal explained. Although he admitted to working with Israel to safe supplies, he denied always coordinating military operations with the Israeli army.
The individual tragedy of the militia leader
In April, the al-Astal shelter was hit by an Israeli bomb - his 22-year-old daughter, who was then 7 months pregnant, was killed in the attack. "People accuse me of collaboration. How can anyone say that about me?" - al-Astal asked about individual tragedy.
Soon, if God lets you, you'll see for yourselves. We will become the fresh Gaza administration. Our task is fresh Gaza. No war, no peace with everyone - no Hamas, no terrorism" - he assured.
Following the entry into force of the truce in the Gaza Strip, news of Hamas fighting and rival militants appeared in the media. Members of the terrorist group were besides to commit extrajudicial executions of Palestinians opposing their governments.
Sources used: "Sky News", "PAP" Note: This article was created utilizing Artificial Intelligence (SI).
