"Our weapons are not from Israel - they are simple weapons that we collected from the local population," Abu Shabab said.

Yasser Abu Shabab, head of the “Popular Forces” militia operating in eastern Rafah, confirms his cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to shelter civilians and combat Hamas terrorism.

We have no ties to any state or political regime,” he said. “These accusations are attempts to damage our reputation and stir hostility between us and other countries”