Report Alleges Sexual Abuse and Other Crimes by Shin Bet-Backed Militia in Gaza
A report circulating in Gaza has accused a militia allegedly backed by Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet (Shabak), of involvement in systematic sexual abuse, forced marriages, extortion, and other crimes in areas east of Khan Younis.
The allegations focus on a group led by Hussam al-Astal, also known as “Abu Safan” or “al-Sanasi,” whom the report describes as a collaborator operating under Israeli protection. The report claims that camps and strongholds controlled by the militia have become sites of widespread criminal activity, including sexual exploitation and the use of fraudulent marriage contracts to conceal alleged abuses.
According to unnamed security sources cited in the report, al-Astal and several senior associates allegedly recruited young women into militia-controlled areas and arranged sham marriages and divorces. The report alleges that these practices were used to facilitate sexual exploitation while providing a veneer of legitimacy.
Individuals named in the report include militia spokesman Mustafa Masoud, deputy commander Muhammad Bassam al-Darbashi, Wasim Obeid, who is accused of overseeing document forgery operations, and Muhammad al-Majayda, known as “Balata.” None of the allegations have been independently verified.
The report also details the case of a woman identified only as “Suhaila,” described as being in her early twenties. According to the allegations, she was displaced during the war and became trapped in an area controlled by the militia east of Khan Younis.
The report claims that she was subjected to gang rape by al-Astal, al-Darbashi, and other militia members, resulting in pregnancy. It further alleges that militia leaders later arranged a fraudulent marriage and divorce in an attempt to conceal the incident. According to the report, the woman subsequently escaped the area and provided testimony to Palestinian security authorities.
Beyond allegations of sexual violence, the report accuses al-Astal’s group and other militias of looting humanitarian aid, seizing relief convoys, monopolizing commercial goods, and profiting from shortages affecting civilians in Gaza.
Additional allegations include kidnapping, financial extortion, child recruitment, and the use of minors in intelligence-gathering activities. The report also claims that the groups have contributed to the spread of drug abuse among young people.
Palestinian activists cited in the report argue that the alleged acts, if proven, could constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes under international humanitarian law. They contend that the use of rape, physical violence, and extortion against civilians represents serious violations that are not subject to statutes of limitation.
The report further states that the allegations have fueled public and tribal opposition to the militias operating in Gaza.
At the time of publication, the allegations had not been independently verified, and no public response from Hussam al-Astal, the named militia members, Shin Bet, or Israeli authorities was included in the report.