Haaretz Investigation Claims Israel-Backed Palestinian Militias Receive Military Support and Operate in Gaza
Five Palestinian armed groups operating in Gaza are receiving Israeli financial and military support and reportedly carrying out operations alongside Israeli forces, according to an investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
The investigation, based on accounts from Israeli soldiers and officers, Palestinian sources, UN data and satellite imagery, reported that the groups operate in areas including Beit Hanoun, Shuja’iyya, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah.
According to the report, their activities go beyond fighting Hamas. The militias are allegedly involved in intelligence gathering, pursuing Hamas members and carrying out operational tasks in areas under Israeli military control.
Haaretz also reported allegations that members of some groups have expelled residents, looted property, burned homes and fired on civilians. Some militias reportedly have hundreds of armed members.
The investigation said the Israeli military and Shin Bet provide protection, logistical assistance and operational coordination, with some militia bases reportedly linked to Israeli military command networks.
The groups have also allegedly been used to gather intelligence and enforce orders for Palestinians to leave specific areas.
An Israeli officer cited by Haaretz warned that training and deploying such militias could facilitate war crimes and lead to widespread abuses. Israeli military officials reportedly acknowledged that the groups would struggle to maintain territorial control without continued Israeli protection and support.
