Ghassan al-Duhaini, 39, has been appointed as the new leader of the “Popular Forces” militia following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab, who was killed during a mediation dispute. Al-Duhaini, previously the group’s de facto leader, has pledged to continue operations against Hamas, which has labeled him a collaborator with Israel. The Popular Forces militia, supported by Israeli oversight, operates near Rafah and seeks to challenge Hamas’s control in the region. Al-Duhaini’s rise comes amid a backdrop of violence and accusations, including attempts on his life by Hamas.
