Anti-Hamas Armed Groups in Gaza: Interview with the Leader of the 'Popular Forces'

For prior interviews in this series, see:

. Hussam al-Astl in Khan Yunis.
. The ‘Popular Army’ in northern Gaza.
. Interview with a source from Quwat al-Watan al-Hurr.
. The ‘Popular Defence Forces’ in the Rafah area.

Of the various armed groups in Gaza that are opposed to Hamas and receive backing from Israel, the ‘Popular Forces’ is by far the most prominent. Initially founded by Yaser Abu Shabab who was killed in December last year, the group is presently led by Ghassan Duhine, who effectively served as Yaser’s deputy. It is also known as the ‘Counterterrorism Service.’

In this exclusive, lengthy interview with Ghassan, we discuss his group’s history, its efforts against Hamas, relations with Israel and Ghassan’s own very interesting background and outlook. What is his connection to Salafi jihadism? Is he linked to the Islamic State as some reports have claimed? Did he have such links in the past? And what is his connection to Syria? How does he view the Palestinian Authority and the two-state solution? Find out all these details and more in the interview below, which is edited and condensed for clarity. Parenthetical insertions in square brackets are my own.

Q: First, when was the Popular Forces formed and what were the reasons for its formation? Are most of its members from a specific tribe for example?