Free Homeland Forces

Shawqi Abu Nasira Shawqi Abu Nasira is a former Palestinian Authority Lieutenant Colonel and Fatah member. During the 1980s, Abu Nasira was reportedly imprisoned for 16 years by Israel for militant activity, and briefly escaped from prison. Following his release and the implementation of the Oslo Accords, he joined the Palestinian Authority security forces. One of Abu Nasira's sons was reportedly killed during the Gaza war by Hamas for criticizing Hamas, which led to him opposing Hamas. Societal breakdown in Gaza During the course of the Gaza war, societal breakdown across the Gaza Strip led to famine and a lack of supplies causing a weaker Hamas, resulting in the rise of anti-Hamas armed elements in the Gaza Strip. == Relations ==

Abu Nasira has stated that his group is not collaborating with Israel, and has stated that Iran, which supports Hamas, is the enemy "of Islam and Sunnis". The rest of the Abu Nasira family has disavowed him. Abu Nasira's group operates within the portion of Gazan territory under Israeli military control. In an interview with Israeli television in December 2025, Abu Nasira said, “The relationship between us and the Israelis is a strong relationship and an intimate friendship, and we will live with them for the rest of our lives in security and peace….They provide us with weapons, food, and clothing, and we coordinate with them on security to the fullest extent.” Compared to the rest of the Popular Forces, Abu Nasira's group has displayed greater willingness to work with Israel. The group operates more boldly than other anti-Hamas groups in Gaza and its members speak fluent Hebrew when speaking with Israeli media. Abu Nasira's group has presented itself as a potential alternative to Hamas's rule in Gaza more often than other groups. Abu Nasira claims that he is in contact with other anti-Hamas militant groups on establishing a united front called the "National Guard for East Gaza". == Operations ==

While the existence of the group was only revealed in late November 2025, it had reportedly already been active for several months. The FHF/PAR reportedly operates as part of the Popular Forces An investigation by Asharq Al-Awsat had found that the assassination was carried out by members of Shawqi Abu Nasira's group. In April 2026, the Free Homeland Forces raided the Maghazi refugee camp near Deir al-Balah in Gaza searching for Hamas fighters while the Israeli military provided air support. The militia killed at least ten people and wounded many more. == Hamas response ==

Raid on Abu Nasira's home On 22 December 2025, a unit of the Gaza police known as the Sahm 103 unit or Arrow Unit, which specialises in targeting collaborators with Israel, said on its Telegram channel that it had detained Abu Nasira's wife and son. Abu Nasira accused Hamas of having raided his house, abducted his wife and stolen money, a gas canister, and solar panels. "I don't know if this is a rule of law or of larceny", Abu Nasira said in an interview on 23 December 2025 with Jusoor News, a pan-Arab, anti-Hamas media outlet. The Sahm unit also state that Abu Nasira's family members had 700,000 Israeli shekels ($220,000 at the time) in their possession. == References ==