Anti-Hamas Armed Groups in Gaza: The 'Popular Army' in Northern Gaza

For other interviews in this series, see:

. Interview with Hussam al-Astl.
. Interview with source from Quwat al-Watan al-Hurr.

Among the Palestinian armed groups that are opposed to Hamas and work with Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, the ‘Popular Army’ is notable for its presence in the northern part of the Strip. It is led by one Ashraf al-Mansi.

Below is an interview recently conducted with a representative of the ‘Popular Army’ regarding its history, the background of its leader, the group’s relationship with Israel and its outlook on the future of a Palestinian state. The interview is slightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Emblem of the ‘Popular Army’: ‘The voice of truth in the face of the oppressor.’

Q: When was the Popular Army formed, for what reasons and in what region? Who is the leader Ashraf al-Mansi and are most of the Popular Army’s members from a specific clan?