Netanyahu admits arming criminal groups in Gaza to steal the aid to make palestinians suffer

Defence affairs

US-backed group behind chaotic aid distribution programme says its sites are closed, warns Palestinians to stay away.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted for the first time that Israel supported armed local groups in Gaza to help weaken Hamas, confirming reports of Israeli-backed Palestinian clans operating inside the besieged enclave.

In a video message posted on social media on Thursday, Netanyahu said the government had “activated” powerful family-based factions in Gaza, following advice from security officials.

His comments follow public accusations by former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who earlier criticised the secretive strategy.

An Israeli official quoted by the Associated Press identified one such group as the Popular Forces, led by Rafah clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab.

The group has been linked to Israeli-supported aid distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial entity operating under military protection.

The acknowledgement marks Israel’s first public confirmation of its relationship with these groups, which humanitarian organisations have accused of criminal activity and stealing aid meant for civilians suffering under the blockade.

“It’s not going down well within Israel,” said Al Jazeera's Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman. “These are criminal gangs being armed with Israeli weapons. There was no cabinet-wide consultation.”

Chris Gunness, former UNRWA spokesperson, condemned the situation as a “human abattoir,” blaming the Israeli military and its allies for creating dangerous aid conditions.