Haaretz investigation: Israel-backed Palestinian militias operate alongside army in Gaza

Five Palestinian armed groups operating in the Gaza Strip receive Israeli financial and military support and carry out operations on behalf of the Israeli military and intelligence services, according to an investigation published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Wednesday.

The investigation, based on accounts from Israeli soldiers and officers, Palestinian sources, UN data and satellite imagery, said the groups operate in several parts of Gaza under Israeli military protection and coordination.

According to Haaretz, their activities extend beyond confronting Hamas and include intelligence gathering, pursuing Hamas members and carrying out operational tasks in areas controlled by the Israeli army.

The investigation also reported that members of the groups have expelled Palestinian residents, looted property, burned homes and opened fire on civilians.

The militias reportedly operate in Beit Hanoun, Shuja’iyya, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah, with some of the groups numbering hundreds of armed members.

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military and Shin Bet provide the groups with protection, logistical assistance and operational coordination, and that some of their bases are connected to Israeli military command-and-control networks.

The groups have also reportedly been used to gather intelligence and enforce orders requiring Palestinians to leave particular areas.

An Israeli officer quoted in the investigation warned that employing armed and trained militias in this manner could facilitate war crimes and potentially lead to widespread abuses against Gaza’s civilian population.

Israeli military officials cited by the newspaper reportedly acknowledged that the armed groups would be unable to maintain control over territory in Gaza without continued Israeli military protection and assistance.