Five Palestinian armed groups operating in the Gaza Strip receive Israeli financial and military support and carry out operations on behalf of the Israeli military and intelligence services, according to an investigation published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Wednesday.
The investigation, based on accounts from Israeli soldiers and officers, Palestinian sources, UN data and satellite imagery, said the groups operate in several parts of Gaza under Israeli military protection and coordination.
According to Haaretz, their activities extend beyond confronting Hamas and include intelligence gathering, pursuing Hamas members and carrying out operational tasks in areas controlled by the Israeli army.
The investigation also reported that members of the groups have expelled Palestinian residents, looted property, burned homes and opened fire on civilians.
The militias reportedly operate in Beit Hanoun, Shuja’iyya, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah, with some of the groups numbering hundreds of armed members.
