Palestinian man denies leading new Gaza gang following Israeli report

A Palestinian man has denied leading a new anti-Hamas militia in Gaza after being named as its leader in an Israeli media report.

Ynet news outlet reported on Wednesday that Israel was arming and funding two new criminal gangs in the Gaza Strip, in the latest push to sow chaos and lawlessness.

The report said the two armed groups were operating in Khan Younis and Gaza City and are affiliated with the Palestinian Authority (PA), a political rival of Hamas. 

It said they follow in the footsteps of the gang led by Yasser Abu Shabab - a former criminal prisoner-turned-militia leader - who has coordinated with Israeli forces in Rafah to loot humanitarian aid and shoot at Palestinians.

In addition to receiving arms and support from Israel, members of the two new gangs were reportedly on the PA’s payroll, according to Ynet. 

Read more: Palestinian man denies leading new Gaza gang following Israeli report