Oct. 7 not an excuse for Israel's collective punishment

[ad_1] Abu Shabab even hinted at a future in politics: "We might be what our folks need us to be. We won't impose any political system on their will."

Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia chief wished by Hamas, has develop into a big determine in Gaza, particularly after his group’s Fb web page, "Yasser Abu Shabab – The Fashionable Forces," garnered widespread help.

Among the many outstanding feedback are expressions of help, together with calls for defense and appreciation for "Commander Yasser," with one commenter stating, “Might Allah shield you and prevent from hurt. All help and appreciation for Commander Yasser,” whereas one other added, “If there have been an election for governance within the Gaza Strip, I'd provide you with my vote, Yasser.”

Another remark strongly urges the defeat of Hamas: “End them off and don’t go away a single Hamas member alive,” and one more expresses frustration with the political state of affairs: “Our persons are beneath a heavy catastrophe due to private pursuits, and we should combat this catastrophe to carry ourselves higher lives.”

This on-line help is a outstanding phenomenon: an armed determine advocating for dialogue and providing a brand new imaginative and prescient, one that's not simply violent or oppositional, however ideological and ethical.

Who're the Fashionable Forces? Abu Shabab defined the core of the group to Walla: "The Fashionable Forces is a Palestinian nationwide and impartial physique, established to fulfill the necessity for civilian safety, humanitarian assist distribution, and securing areas that won't fall sufferer to terror or native extremism."

<img alt="Palestinians collect what remains of relief supplies from the distribution center of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 5, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER/FILE PHOTO)" loading="lazy" width="800" height="523" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GjYUh6Tz_lJ7hBsJ83zSag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYyODtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/jerusalem_post_articles_818/ca1fc360a83cfaafe80d97c5b77d4023"/> Palestinians acquire what stays of reduction provides from the distribution middle of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Basis, in Rafah, within the southern Gaza Strip, June 5, 2025. (credit score: REUTERS/STRINGER/FILE PHOTO)

"That is in response to the collapse of official methods and the dominance of a weapon-driven logic.

"We're a non-political, standard motion that seeks to construct a Palestinian society that's secure, free from violence, peaceable, safe, dwelling with dignity, and believing in dialogue as a reputable means to attain future understandings," he added.

When questioned concerning the October 7 assault, Abu Shabab mentioned: "Hamas's choice on 7/10 justified the assaults on Gazans, a failed army choice that led us to hell. However 7/10 will not be an excuse for Israel’s collective punishment coverage towards our folks and the killing of harmless civilians."

"Our weapons are for the safety of our folks from anarchy inside the Gaza Strip, from oppression, corruption, and from those that exploit Gaza's inhabitants beneath the guise of resistance or faith," he mentioned when requested if he would at some point goal Israel. "Our weapons are usually not supposed for anybody outdoors our borders."

"We'll shield civilians, create worldwide stress, and push for an finish to the violence that nobody desires to escalate."

He additionally emphasised that he believes that Israel has the fitting to reside in peace.

"Simply because the Palestinian folks have the fitting to reside freely, safely, and with dignity of their nation, Israelis even have the fitting to reside in safety and peace, inside internationally acknowledged borders, based mostly on a non-aggression pact," he mentioned.

"We don't see the Israeli folks as our enemy. Mutual safety begins with respecting the essential rights of our folks. Anybody who doesn't threaten us might be met with discretion."

Ceasefire and a brand new imaginative and prescient for Gaza Abu Shabab emphasised the urgency of a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

"A ceasefire is crucial as starvation worsens. Palestinians want time to breathe and set up protected humanitarian zones free from violence, the place their demand for dignity might be met," he mentioned.

"The Gaza Strip after the battle might be a disaster-stricken space requiring worldwide cooperation to rehabilitate it, so its residents can reside dignified lives and be compensated for the ache of battle, thus ending the period of violence."

Abu Shabab additionally hinted at a future in politics.

"We might be what our folks need us to be. We won't impose any political system on their will."

Over time, his group has grown in energy, with some claiming it's a department of the Palestinian Authority. Abu Shabab, nevertheless, denies any such affiliation.

"We aren't subordinate to the Palestinian Authority; we're totally impartial. Makes an attempt to hyperlink us to the authority are supposed to undermine our legitimacy."

"Whereas a number of events, together with the [Palestinian] Authority, offered small assist at our begin, this doesn't have an effect on our independence. We welcome any help that aligns with our objectives: defending civilians, stopping assist theft, and strengthening justice and dignity."

Hamas's response and Abu Shabab’s defiance As Abu Shabab’s affect grows, Hamas has launched assaults towards him. Gaza's Inside Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas, issued an arrest warrant on expenses of "treason," threatening him with trial in absentia. Hamas-affiliated Arab channels have additionally issued threats.

Abu Shabab, nevertheless, stays defiant.

"We aren't afraid of Hamas. They need to not consider attacking us—we've got sudden surprises. It’s our proper to have public help that believes in us. That is the fitting type of democracy.

"Hamas has already misplaced its reputation. It should apologize to our folks for the choice to hold out the 7/10 assault, go away the management, and implement the need of the Palestinian and Arab folks, not Iran’s. Our faith, Islam, is one in all justice, safety, and peace. We weren't born to combat endlessly, however to reside with dignity on our land."

Whereas it stays unclear whether or not the Fashionable Forces will exchange Hamas, one factor is for certain: Abu Shabab’s determine—armed but advocating for dialogue—alerts a breaking of the concern barrier and the start of a brand new dialog within the Gaza Strip.