by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Israel may have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, but according to a new Sky News exclusive investigation, the conflict is far from over. Four armed groups operating inside Gaza — all opposed to Hamas — are reportedly being backed by Israel and see themselves as part of a unified effort to reshape the territory under what they call “The New Gaza.”
Sky News confirmed for the first time that these anti-Hamas militias are working with Israeli coordination and are supplied with vehicles, ammunition, and humanitarian goods through Israeli-controlled crossings. They are all based behind what’s called the “yellow line,” the boundary marking the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) deployment zone under the current ceasefire agreement.
Militias Operating With Israeli Backing
One of the militia leaders, Hossam al Astal, told Sky News from southern Gaza: “We have an official project — me, [Yasser] Abu Shabab, [Rami] Halas, and [Ashraf] al Mansi. We are all for ‘The New Gaza.’ Soon we will achieve full control of the Gaza Strip and will gather under one umbrella.”
Satellite imagery and video verified by Sky News showed his militia’s base less than 700 meters from an IDF outpost. Al Astal said that his group has an agreement with the Israeli military designating the area as a “green zone,” meaning neither side attacks the other.
Although Al Astal denied direct coordination of combat operations, he confirmed that weapons are purchased on the black market, while vehicles and supplies enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing — with the approval of Israeli authorities. His group provides basic aid, including food and education, to about 30 families living near their base.
Links to the Palestinian Authority and Outside Powers
Al Astal said some of his members remain employees of the Palestinian Authority (PA), though the PA officially denies any link. Coordination reportedly takes place through the District Coordination Office, which includes both Israeli and PA representatives.
Sky News also uncovered evidence suggesting possible ties between the militias and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Vehicles with UAE license plates were photographed at militia bases, and logos used by the groups closely resemble those of UAE-backed militias in Yemen. When asked, al Astal smiled and said, “God willing, in time everything will become clear.”
“The New Gaza” Vision
The militias describe their shared goal as building a “New Gaza” — a territory free from Hamas rule, open to reconstruction and stability.
“Very soon, God willing, you will see this for yourselves,” al Astal said. “Our project is ‘The New Gaza.’ No war, at peace with everyone — no Hamas, no terrorism.”
Just days after Sky News’ interview, former White House advisor Jared Kushner echoed the same phrase. “There are considerations happening now in the area that the IDF controls… to start construction as a ‘New Gaza’ in order to give Palestinians a place to go and get jobs,” he told reporters.
Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas nor the PA responded to Sky News’ requests for comment.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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