Israeli authorities investigate armed militia members with suspected ties to intelligence

Al Jazeera to Release Documentary Exposing Armed Groups in Gaza Collaborating with Israeli Forces

A new investigation by Al Jazeera is set to be released, detailing the activities of armed groups in Gaza accused of collaborating with the Israeli military against Palestinians. The documentary, part of the programme “What is Hidden is Greater,” will examine how individuals inside Gaza were recruited and operated.

The investigation reveals that these armed groups have been moving freely within Gaza behind the self-proclaimed demarcation line, also known as the “yellow line.” This area is a buffer zone where the Israeli army is entrenched. According to Israeli military maps, this line extends 1.5km and 6.5km inside Gaza from its eastern boundary with Israel.

The documentary includes audio and video material that documents how individuals were recruited and operated by these armed groups. It also reveals their movements and training locations.

According to the investigation, some of these armed groups face accusations of collaborating with the Israeli occupation. The allegations include moving within areas prohibited to Palestinians under the ceasefire agreement. Some of these groups have publicly denied these allegations.

In June, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that the country was using armed gangs in Gaza to help fight Hamas. Netanyahu stated that the government had “activated” powerful local clans in the enclave on the advice of security officials.

The investigation also reveals that some Palestinian women were stopped at a checkpoint manned by Israel-backed Palestinian gunmen who identified themselves as belonging to the Popular Forces, commonly known as the Abu Shabab militia. The women reported being subjected to full body searches and interrogated about the Hamas-led October 7 attack in southern Israel.

Israel’s conflict with Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 71,851 people and wounded 171,626 since October 2023. The investigation includes information on prominent armed groups such as the Popular Forces, founded by Yasser Abu Shabab, and the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation), which has been widely condemned for its activities.

The documentary will be broadcast at 9pm in Doha on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera