Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted to arming clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. The move comes after allegations that these clans have looted humanitarian aid and ties to jihadist groups.
Netanyahu says the goal is to save Israeli soldiers’ lives, but critics say it’s creating a new security threat. Opposition parties are strongly criticizing the initiative.
Palestinians marked Eid al-Adha with prayers outside destroyed mosques and homes. Food distribution points reopened briefly before closing due to deadly shootings by Israeli soldiers earlier this week. The UN says 2,700 children in Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition.
Israeli jets continued pounding Gaza, killing at least 38 Palestinians on Friday, including 11 in one strike. Israel claims four soldiers were killed in combat.
Netanyahu’s office denied providing weapons to Hamas-opposed groups, but a former defence minister says Abu Shabab’s group has ties to the Islamic State. The Israeli government is accused of giving arms to criminals.
The IDF did not comment on the allegations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/06/netanyahu-defends-arming-palestinian-clans-accused-of-ties-with-jihadist-groups