Gaza: The Palestinian National Authority has firmly denied any connection to an armed group accused of looting humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Security forces Spokesman Anwar Rajab stated, “As an official institution, we have no connection to the Popular Forces group led by Yasser Abu Shabab,” dismissing claims that the group is affiliated with the Palestinian presidency or the legitimate government.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Popular Forces group alleged on its Facebook page that it operates “under the umbrella of Palestinian legitimacy.” However, these assertions were refuted by the Palestinian Authority, which emphasized that the group’s activities are “a role that violates the law and is outside the scope of discussion.”

The armed gang recently claimed it was coordinating with the Red Cross and the Israeli army to bring humanitarian aid into the northern Gaza Strip. These claims were denied by the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighting the complex and tense situation regarding aid distribution in the region.

Last Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged his government’s provision of weapons to the gang, justifying it as a measure against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In response, Hamas condemned the gangs as “cheap tools in the hands of the enemy and a true enemy of our Palestinian people,” promising that they would be pursued and held accountable.

The government media office in Gaza has repeatedly stated that “armed gangs” supported by Israel are exploiting the limited humanitarian aid entering the region, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the Palestinian people under the ongoing Israeli blockade.