Israel Turns to Militias to Govern Gaza's South, Defying UN Concerns

In a move drawing scrutiny from humanitarian observers, the Israeli government has formally approved a local armed militia to lead reconstruction and security operations in the heavily damaged Gaza city of Rafah. The group, known as the Popular Forces and led by Yasser Abu Shabab, is now mandated to oversee rehabilitation efforts and provide security in areas of the city under Israeli military control.

The decision places significant responsibility on the militia, including protecting the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and safeguarding the movement of humanitarian supplies. This development occurs as Rafah's mayor has publicly stated that over 70% of the city's public facilities and infrastructure have been destroyed by military operations.

The strategy appears to be part of a broader Israeli initiative for southern Gaza, which includes the establishment of a buffer zone, referred to as the "Morag Corridor," intended to separate Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip.

However, the appointment of the Popular Forces has been met with immediate concern. Critics point to a reported 2024 United Nations internal memorandum that identified the group as a primary actor behind the systematic and large-scale looting of humanitarian aid convoys. This history has raised serious questions about its suitability for managing reconstruction and aid distribution.

Analysts suggest this move signals a shift in Israeli strategy, moving toward the use of local armed groups as proxies to manage security and civil affairs, rather than maintaining full, direct military control.

Humanitarian organizations have highlighted several potential risks, including whether a militia previously accused of diverting aid can be trusted to administer tasks fairly. Further concerns involve the potential for restricted or politicized access for international aid agencies and the unclear long-term governance implications for Rafah once Israeli forces eventually withdraw.

While Israeli officials have described the arrangement as necessary to stabilize the city and enable reconstruction, the plan effectively blurs the lines between military, humanitarian, and civilian authority. The performance of the Popular Forces will be closely monitored to see if it can facilitate the return of civilians and manage rebuilding without resorting to coercion or corruption. The international community is expected to push for stringent oversight and transparency in the rehabilitation process.