Yasser Abu Shabaab, leader of the Popular Forces—a Palestinian militia opposed to Hamas in Gaza—has been killed, local sources confirmed. The group, which operates near the Israeli-controlled territory around the southern city of Rafah, counts a significant number of fighters.

The Popular Forces said Abu Shabaab was killed while attempting to resolve an internal dispute within the Abu Senayma faction. The group also dismissed reports suggesting Hamas was responsible, describing such claims as "misleading."

Other sources indicate that his death may have stemmed from a broader power struggle within Gaza.

Hamas, which did not directly claim responsibility, issued a statement saying Abu Shabaab’s "fate is the inevitable fate of all those who betray their people and homeland and seek to become tools for the occupying Israeli army."

The Israeli military, citing a security source, said Abu Shabaab died of injuries after being transferred to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel. The hospital later denied reports that he died while receiving treatment.

In response, the Popular Forces vowed to continue Abu Shabaab’s mission, stating it would persist "until the last terrorist is removed from Gaza and a bright and secure future is built for our people who believe in peace."