Hamas orders armed Bedouin clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab to surrender over treason charges in Gaza

Hamas orders armed Bedouin clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab to surrender over treason charges in Gaza

[Cairo, July 2, 2025] — The Islamist group Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has issued an order for the surrender and trial of Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of an armed Bedouin clan, accusing him of “treason.”

According to Hamas’ Interior Ministry, a “revolutionary court” has issued the directive, requiring Abu Shabab to turn himself in within 10 days.

The announcement also urged Gaza residents to report any information about Abu Shabab’s whereabouts to security authorities. He is believed to be in hiding in Rafah, an area in southern Gaza currently under Israeli control.

About Abu Shabab and his group

Yasser Abu Shabab leads a clan that does not recognize Hamas’ authority. His group accuses Hamas of acting against Gaza’s interests and suppressing dissent.

Hamas claims that Abu Shabab has looted UN relief convoys and has been cooperating with Israeli interests. Two Hamas sources and two additional affiliated sources told Reuters that Hamas has deployed elite fighters with orders to kill Abu Shabab.

In contrast, Abu Shabab’s group told Reuters that they are working to protect Gaza’s civilians, safeguard aid shipments, and have no ties to Israeli forces.

They accused Hamas of inciting violence and stifling freedom of expression.

No official response yet

As of now, neither Abu Shabab nor his group has issued an official response to Hamas' latest announcement.

Amid the ongoing conflict and internal divisions within Gaza, the incident has raised new tensions regarding Hamas’ authority and the role of opposing factions — potentially further complicating the already fragile security situation in the region.