According to a report published by The Times of Israel on Friday, 19 September 2025, a newly-formed armed group claims to have established a zone south of Khan Younis for Gazans opposed to Hamas rule. The group, led by Hossam al-Astal, says the area will offer safety, basic resources, and a path away from what it calls “Hamas’s oppression.”
Al-Astal, a former member of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces, says his organization has set up operations near the village of Kizan al-Najjar, which was abandoned during recent fighting. He states the group will accept locals displaced by the war who reject Hamas’s control. In his words, enough food, water and shelter are already in place.
He says in the coming days his group will admit another 300 to 400 people. Prospective newcomers are subject to screening to confirm they have no ties to Hamas.
Al-Astal describes the zone as a “humanitarian area” and compares his effort with that of Yasser Abu Shabab, who has created civilian infrastructure and security frameworks in parts of Rafah where Hamas’s influence has been challenged. Although the two men are in contact, each operates independently.
Al-Astal, 50 years old, comes from a Bedouin family in the region. He served under the PA’s security forces in Gaza when they maintained authority, and he spent time in Hamas prisons. Media connected to Hamas allege that al-Astal is collaborating with Israel. Al-Astal claims there is some coordination, especially for utilities such as electricity and water.
He says his group possesses weapons for its defense and that its financial backing comes from sources in the United States, Europe, and unspecified Arab nations.
Those supporting al-Astal’s initiative say many people in southern Gaza are tired of violence and want an alternative to Hamas. He says that when children were able to play freely, and students could go to school without fear, Gaza was more stable. Now he describes life under Hamas as destructive. See, More, Here>>>>
There has been no public response yet from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to claims of coordination or establishment of this zone.
