Popular Forces

The Popular Forces, also known as the Anti-Terror Service, is a Palestinian anti-Hamas armed group active in the Gaza Strip which was founded and led by Yasser Abu Shabab until his death on 4 December 2025. Following Yasser Abu Shabab's death, Ghassan Duhine proclaimed himself the new leader. The Popular Forces are Israeli-backed and allegedly Islamic State (IS)-linked. The group, which has been described as a gang or militia, is made up of approximately 500–700 men who operate in eastern Rafah and eastern Khan Yunis. The Popular Army – Northern Forces militia of the northern Gaza Strip, led by Ashraf al-Mansi, also reportedly operates as part of the Popular Forces. Israeli support for the Popular Forces was only revealed in June 2025, but the group has been active since the beginning of the Rafah offensive in May 2024.