Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman has accused Israeli forces, allegedly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval, of providing weapons to “crime families” in the Gaza Strip. These accusations add weight to claims that such groups are being used to disrupt aid distribution within the besieged Palestinian enclave.
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What are the Allegations?
Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and former finance minister, stated on Israeli public broadcaster Kan that Israel supplied assault rifles and light weapons to crime families in Gaza on Netanyahu’s orders. Lieberman expressed concern that these weapons, transferred to “criminals and offenders,” could potentially be used against Israel. He questioned if this action had cabinet approval and suggested heads of security like the Shin Bet might be aware, but possibly not the chief of staff.
Netanyahu’s office responded by stating that Israel is working to defeat Hamas through various methods, based on recommendations from security heads.
Context: Reports of Gang Activity and Aid Disruption
Lieberman’s accusation comes amidst several reports in recent months suggesting Israel has either supported or overlooked armed gangs involved in looting aid and food warehouses in Gaza.
Israeli news outlets have reported that one such armed gang is led by Yasser Abu Shabab, linked to a large clan in southern Gaza. Sources cited by the Times of Israel reportedly confirmed Israel was arming a Gazan gang to counter Hamas influence. These weapons allegedly included some seized by Israeli forces from Hamas during the conflict.
Hamas officials have stated that Abu Shabab was wanted for “collaborating with the occupation.” They claim Hamas fighters killed numerous members of Abu Shabab’s group before January, following alleged looting of aid trucks.
Violence Against Those Opposing Looting
Further reports suggest that individuals attempting to protect shops and maintain order have been targeted. Al Jazeera Arabic reported in early May that Israeli forces attacked shop owners and local security teams trying to prevent looting and chaos. Asaad al-Kafarna, a Gaza police officer, was reportedly killed by Israeli forces near a restaurant on May 2 while pursuing alleged armed looters accused of collaborating with the Israeli military.
Influential families in Gaza have publicly denounced the actions of these gangs, with the Madhoun family stating that such groups “act in alignment with the goals of the occupation.”
An internal UN memo from November reportedly revealed that gangs might be benefiting from “passive if not active benevolence” or “protection” from Israeli troops. The memo cited one gang leader operating a “military-like compound” in an area controlled and patrolled by Israel’s military.
Commentators have suggested that by potentially supporting criminal gangs while targeting members of Gaza’s civil administration, Israel might be aiming to create a power vacuum and undermine law and order.
Violence Near Aid Distribution Points
The allegations surrounding the arming of gangs occur alongside deadly incidents at aid distribution sites in Gaza. A CNN investigation concluded that the Israeli military was responsible for a shooting incident near Rafah over a weekend that killed over 30 civilians seeking aid. Eyewitnesses reported Israeli troops firing at crowds near a roundabout close to a militarized aid site. The Israeli military has denied its troops fired on civilians at the site, blaming Hamas for spreading false information.
People gather near damaged buildings and a truck, likely waiting for or receiving humanitarian aid in a conflict zone like Gaza.
The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) temporarily suspended its aid distribution operations following these incidents. This suspension occurred after more than 100 Palestinians were reportedly killed near its sites within a week. Eyewitnesses cited by Middle East Eye reported Israeli troops firing directly on civilians, with many casualties suffering gunshot wounds to the head or chest.
What’s Next?
The allegations of Israel arming criminal gangs add another layer of complexity to the severe humanitarian crisis and security situation in Gaza. Investigations into these claims, the role of different armed groups, and the responsibility for violence near aid distribution points are ongoing. The situation highlights the challenges of delivering aid and establishing order amidst the conflict.
For more context on the humanitarian situation and related events in Gaza, explore our related coverage.
