According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, a militia leader in Gaza has claimed that Israel is backing four separate armed groups in a coordinated effort to remove Hamas from power in the enclave, according to a Sky News report published on Saturday.
Hossam al-Astal, leader of one of the groups, told Sky News that the militias are collaborating under what he described as “Project New Gaza”, aimed at establishing control of the Strip after Hamas. He alleged that other militia leaders, including Yasser Abu Shabab and Ashraf al-Mansi, had joined the initiative.
Al-Astal claimed that his group’s base is located along the so-called Yellow Line, approximately 700 meters from the nearest Israeli military outpost. He said a coordinator from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had reached an agreement with him to create a “Green Zone” an area where no shelling or gunfire would take place.
Sky News said it reviewed footage of Al-Astal’s militia, noting that one of their vehicles appeared to have Hebrew writing scratched out. The militia leader acknowledged that the group had received supplies from outside Gaza and purchased weapons from the black market. He further claimed to have received logistical support and ammunition from foreign sources, including indirect material support from Western powers.
Beyond its military operations, Al-Astal said the militia also performs humanitarian functions in Gaza, providing medical care and education for about 30 families. He said his group coordinates with the military to transport aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
A senior fighter in Abu Shabab’s militia, speaking anonymously, told Sky News that Israel had facilitated the smuggling of weapons, cash, and vehicles to the group. He added that the two other militias had received similar support.
“We are prepared to work with any authority that takes responsibility for the revival of Gaza,” the fighter said in a separate interview with The Media Line. “If Hamas hands over its weapons and asks us to surrender ours, we will comply. We welcome President Trump’s plan to end the war and thank him for his efforts.”
Footage reviewed by Sky News also reportedly showed a car belonging to Abu Shabab’s group carrying supplies from the direction of an IDF base near the Israeli border.
Meanwhile, officials linked to Ashraf al-Mansi’s militia, known as the People’s Army Northern Forces, denied direct contact with the Israeli military but confirmed that coordination occurs through the District Coordination Office a joint body connected to both the IDF and the Palestinian Authority.
At least two of the militia leaders were said to have previously served in the Palestinian Authority’s security services. Read – Original
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