| Popular Defense Forces | |
|---|---|
| Leaders | Rami Khalas Ahmed Jundeya |
| Dates of operation | 2025 –Present |
| Split from |  Khalas clan [a] |
| Country |  Palestine |
| Active regions | Shuja'iyya, Gaza Strip |
| Ideology | anti-Hamas |
| Allies |  Israel |
| Opponents |  Hamas |
| Battles and wars | Gaza war |
The Popular Defense Forces (PDF) is an Israeli-backed [1] anti-Hamas militant group, it was founded by a split within the Khalas clan. The group is led and founded by Rami Khalas and Ahmed Jundeya. [2]
During the course of the Gaza war, societal breakdown across the Gaza Strip caused by offensives launched by the Israel Defense Forces has caused: starvation, famine, lack of supplies and a weaker Hamas created by the conflict has led to the rise of anti-Hamas armed elements in the Gaza Strip. [3] [4]
Senior member of the Khalas clan, Rami Khalas and Ahmed Jundeya, a member of another large clan, formed the PDF in 2025 and operate in parts of Shuja'iyya that are under Israeli control. [5] Despite the Khalas clan's rough history with Hamas, it has sought to distance itself from the PDF by branding members as a "rogue" militants. [6]
After the 10 October ceasefire, Rami Khalas leader of the PDF approved of the plan and said he would uphold it. [7] Later, the PDF seized parts of the Shuja'iyya neighborhood. [8] Hamas forces attacked the clan, which was retreating eastward alongside withdrawing Israeli forces. [9]