Pro-Israel Palestinian militias are intensifying attacks deep inside Hamas-controlled Gaza, launching raids, ambushes and targeted killings even as the wider regional conflict expands to Iran. The armed groups — operating from Israeli-controlled zones created after the Gaza ceasefire — have stepped up operations in recent weeks with apparent logistical backing from Israel. Analysts say the growing militia campaign risks igniting a new internal front inside the already devastated enclave. Militias push deeper into Hamas territory The most powerful factions include the Popular Forces near the ruins of Rafah and the Strike Force Against Terror east of Khan Younis. Both groups have launched incursions beyond the “yellow line” dividing Israeli-held zones from areas controlled by Hamas. Their operations reportedly include clandestine assassinations, abductions and ambushes targeting Hamas patrols and commanders. A third group, the Ashraf al-Mansi militia, attempted a cross-line raid in Gaza City last week, triggering clashes in the Nasser neighbourhood before Hamas fighters repelled the attack. Escalation despite wider regional war The militia campaign has unfolded alongside continued Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. Health officials say at least 16 Palestinians have been killed in strikes since the outbreak of the Iran conflict on 28 February. On Sunday alone, an airstrike and tank shelling killed six people, including two women and a girl. Overall, more than 600 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the ceasefire began, adding to a war death toll that has surpassed 72,000. Israel uses militias as local enforcers Israel has increasingly relied on these groups for security inside areas it controls. Fighters from the Popular Forces were recently deployed at the Rafah Crossing after it partially reopened. However, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of abuse and humiliation of civilians by Israeli forces and allied armed groups. Despite their growing role, the militias remain small — numbering only a few hundred fighters collectively. Hamas vows retaliation Hamas has responded by launching counter-attacks and hunting suspected collaborators. The group says it has foiled several raids and killed militia fighters in ambushes around Gaza City and Khan Younis. Spokespeople have also warned the militias face “death and annihilation”. A fragile ceasefire under strain Security analysts warn the rise of armed proxy groups could destabilise any post-war settlement. Tahani Mustafa of King’s College London said the militias risk fuelling further conflict rather than stabilising Gaza. For civilians in the enclave — where nearly 2.3 million people remain trapped — the emergence of a shadow war between Palestinian factions threatens yet another layer of violence in an already shattered territory. Israeli-backed Palestinian militias step up operations against Hamas in Gaza
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