Establishment of a new administration
In late May 2025, the Rafah Governorate came under full Israeli operational control following its successful Rafah offensive against Hamas, in which the Popular Forces participated. [7] [8] As of 27 June, the group was reportedly in control of eastern Rafah, enjoyed freedom of movement in the wider Rafah area, and was working on building an independent administration. [5]
After consolidation of Popular Forces control, Abu Shabab began launching a recruitment drive to staff “administrative and community committees,” including doctors and nurses, engineers, primary schoolteachers and public relations experts. The Popular Forces began setting up checkpoints on their territory to screen convoys of international aid workers entering Gaza, and reportedly are providing security to aid trucks. Abu Shabab also said that they have built schools, health centers and other civilian infrastructure. [6]
On 24 July, The Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece written by Abu Shabab, where he called on the United States and Arab countries to recognize the Popular Forces' administration. He also claimed armed patrols were providing security and that civilians in the area were enjoying a better quality of life, untouched by the humanitarian crisis elsewhere in Gaza. [4] [2] [9]
According to Mondoweiss , the Popular Forces' territory is set to be used to concentrate 600,000 displaced Palestinians, and the United Arab Emirates and Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) may be involved in this project. [10]
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