We do not cooperate with Israel and do not exclude coordination with the IDF
“Our weapons are not from Israel – they are simple weapons we collect from the local population,” said Abu Shabab.
Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the Palestinian militia in Gaza, spoke with Israel's Army Radio on Sunday, denied cooperation with Israel and its team in relations with the Palestinian authorities.
Abu Shabab asserted: “We have not cooperated with Israel and deny meeting with any Israeli officials in the past year.
He added that his militia was not equipped with Israeli weapons. “Our weapons are not from Israel – they are simple weapons we collect from the local population.”
The Prime Minister's Office and a security source on Thursday refused to refute a claim filed by Yisrael Beytenu president Avigdor Liberman that Israel is arming criminal families and militias in Gaza to fight Hamas.
Despite denying cooperation with Israel, Abu Shabab did not rule out the possibility of future coordination with the IDF, clarifying that this would be for humanitarian purposes.
A Palestinian Hamas terrorist on the day of the hostage handover in Rafa, southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025, guns.
“If any coordination is done, it will be humanitarian because our people in East Rafah benefit and will be done through mediation channels,” he said.
Security-based Palestinian authoritative relations, not funds
On the other hand, Abu Shabab confirmed that he maintained his ties with the Palestinian Authority for security purposes, but denied getting financing from the agency.
“Our relationship with PA takes place within the framework of the highest national interest of the Palestinian people and the framework of its legality.”
“We conduct security checks through the Mubarat mechanism [PA intelligence]This works with us on this issue to ensure that terrorists do not enter from Hamas and undermine the liberation project. ”
The PA did not confirm security arrangements between the Prime Minister's Office or the Ministry of Defense and the militia.
ISIS connection error, aimed at spreading Israel – Arab hostility
Abu Shabab also refuted Liberman's claim that the militia, like his identification with ISIS, denies any connection to the jihadist groups.
“We have no connection with any country or organization. These rumors are intended to damage our reputation and create hostility between us, Israel and Arab countries.”
