Anti-Hamas Armed Groups in Gaza: Interview with 'The Popular Defence Forces'

For prior interviews in this series, see:

. The ‘Popular Army’ in Gaza
. The ‘Free Homeland Forces’
. Interview with Hussam al-Astl

Of the various new armed groups in Gaza that are opposed to Hamas and are linked to Israel, the ‘Popular Defence Forces’ in the south of the strip is probably the least well-known. It is not to be confused with another ‘Popular Defence Forces’ located in Shejaiya further north in the strip and led by one Rami Hillis. Featuring an affiliate called the ‘Martyr Khalil al-Wazir Battalion’ (named for a leading Fatah figure who was assassinated by the Mossad in Tunisia), the southern ‘Popular Defence Forces’ was hailed by ‘Popular Forces’ (aka ‘Counterterrorism Service’) leader Ghassan Duhine as ‘one of the foundational auxiliary forces that assist the Counterterrorism Service’ when it offered condolences on the death of the Popular Forces’ first leader Yasser Abu Shabab in December 2025 (see below).

Below is an interview I recently conducted with a representative of the ‘Popular Defence Forces’ to learn more about its origins, activities and outlook on Gaza. It is edited and condensed for clarity.

Emblem of the southern ‘Popular Defence Forces.’