When asked whether he worries Hamas might target him next, al-Astal replied, “I am not afraid, Hamas needs to be afraid of me.”
Hussam al-Astal, the commander of the anti-Hamas militia operating in Khan Younis, told Israel’s N12 on Sunday that he has no fear of being targeted following the death of Yasser Abu Shabab.
Abu Shabab, who founded the so-called “Popular Forces,” died last week after a violent internal clash in Gaza. Initial rumors claimed he had been shot, but Israeli security officials later confirmed he died from severe beatings inflicted during a brawl with members of his own faction. The dispute reportedly erupted because of Abu Shabab’s cooperation with Israel, which has deepened rifts inside Gaza’s armed groups.
Speaking openly from territory Hamas claims to control, al-Astal said he continues to move freely without intimidation.