Hossam al-Astal, leader of the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force militia, confirmed that his group had spoken with the US about having a role in the future of the Gaza Strip, BBC News reported on Friday. Based south of Khan Yunis, Astal provided little detail on whether his militia was working alongside Israel
"Let's say it's not the right time for me to answer this question," Astal answered when asked if Israel was supplying him. "But we coordinate with the Israeli side to bring in food, weapons, everything." The former Palestinian Authority official oversees tens of fighters, according to estimates by the BBC. Despite the group’s small size, BBC Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson noted that his tent was well-stocked.
"People all over the world are supporting us," he shared when asked how he was able to access his supplies. "It's not all from Israel. They claim Israel is the only one supporting us and that we are agents of Israel. We are not Israel's agents." Despite not working for Israel, the militia opened a new site within the Israel-controlled Yellow Line. Astal claimed tens of families had recently relocated to the new site, and more were anticipated to soon join. (Read More)
