Diplomatic sources have unveiled covert relationships between the UAE and Israel with individuals linked to ISIS in Gaza, revealing their role in fueling systematic violence and chaos. This collaboration aims to undermine civil order in the region and expand there influence through looting humanitarian aid convoys.
Sources told Sunna Files Website that UAE authorities have, for months, enlisted thugs with ideological or organizational ties to ISIS, led by a figure known as Yasser Abu Shabab, to implement Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv’s malicious plans for post-war arrangements in Gaza.
Abu Shabab has gained notoriety in recent weeks for leading gangs that loot humanitarian aid convoys destined for Gaza, exacerbating famine rates in both the northern and southern regions. This comes as Israel continues to severely restrict the entry of humanitarian supplies.
Coordinated Plots with UAE and Israel
According to the sources, Abu Shabab held several phone discussions two months ago with Emirati officials and members of the Israeli intelligence agency, Shin Bet, to coordinate his criminal activities. These included instructions to raid aid convoys and promises of financial and military support from Abu Dhabi.
Previously, Abu Shabab was known for his allegiance to ISIS in Gaza. Over the years, he attempted various criminal plots, leading Hamas’ security forces to arrest and imprison him for criminal charges before the current Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which has lasted over 13 months.
In recent weeks, Abu Shabab has emerged as the overt leader of the most active gang involved in looting humanitarian supplies in Gaza.
Systematic Looting and Violence
An internal UN memorandum, published by The Washington Post, identified Abu Shabab—a member of the Tarabin tribe that spans southern Gaza, Israel’s Negev Desert, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula—as the primary orchestrator of systematic and widespread looting of aid convoys.
The memo reported that Abu Shabab commands a group of around 100 armed individuals who attack trucks carrying food and other supplies to Gaza. His gang operates from eastern Rafah, setting up roadblocks with sand mounds to ambush convoys on the road controlled by Israel near the Kerem Shalom crossing, using Kalashnikovs and other weapons.
In an incident in early October, 80 out of 100 aid trucks were attacked, and their contents looted by Abu Shabab’s men.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN has reported an escalation in violent tactics, with international aid truck drivers being beaten, maimed, or even killed. As Gaza’s hunger crisis worsens, Abu Shabab’s gang, reportedly supported by the UAE and Israel, continues to plunder the limited aid permitted into the region. They operate freely in areas under Israeli military control.
UN officials have stated that this criminal looting has become the greatest obstacle to aid distribution in southern Gaza, home to the majority of displaced Palestinians.
Local residents claim the thieves, previously engaged in cigarette smuggling, have now shifted to stealing food and essential supplies. They also maintain ties with local crime families.
Complicity and Negligence
A recent UN internal memo concluded that these criminal gangs may be receiving “passive if not positive encouragement” or “protection” from Israeli defense forces. The memo revealed that Abu Shabab has established a “military compound” in a restricted area under the patrol and control of Israeli forces. Relief organizations noted that Israeli authorities have refused numerous requests to improve convoy security, such as creating safer routes, opening crossings, and allowing Gaza’s civil police to safeguard aid trucks.
Aid workers, UN officials, and truck drivers reported that Israeli forces, despite being within sight of attacks, have repeatedly failed to intervene as the looting unfolded.
UAE’s Dubious Role in Gaza
Israeli media outlets have frequently highlighted the UAE’s covert plans to manipulate Gaza’s post-war landscape. These include publicizing their humanitarian aid efforts to gain influence while imposing a suspicious agenda.
The Jewish Press reported that despite the atrocities of the Gaza war, the UAE openly maintains its diplomatic relations with Israel, hoping to exert “moderate influence” on Israel’s military campaign while safeguarding its own interests.
The report emphasized that the UAE has invested significantly in humanitarian aid for Gaza compared to other nations. However, this investment aims to expand its regional influence and establish dominance over rival states.
Political Schemes and Power Plays
The Jewish Press also revealed that the UAE’s aid initiatives are part of a broader scheme to install Mohammed Dahlan, the former head of the Palestinian Authority’s security apparatus in Gaza, as governor of the Strip. This move is seen as a stepping stone to positioning him as the next Palestinian Authority president after Mahmoud Abbas.
Dahlan, who was previously accused of torturing Hamas members and plotting to assassinate Ismail Haniyeh in 2006, has been at odds with President Abbas and is reportedly awaiting an opportunity to return to Gaza from his current residence in the UAE.
