Counter-Terrorism Strike Force administration in the Gaza Strip
Counter-Terrorism Strike Force administration in the Gaza Strip | |
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 Emblem
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Kizan al-Najjar in the Gaza Strip | |
| Status | Unrecognized self-proclaimed rival administration |
| Capital | Kizan al-Najjar, Khan Yunis Governorate |
| Government | |
• Leader | Hussam al-Astal |
| Establishment | Gaza war |
• Claim of control over Kizan al-Najjar[1] | 18 September 2025 |
| Population | |
• Estimate | ~30 families |
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The Counter-Terrorism Strike Force (CSF), a Palestinian anti-Hamas armed group, is based in and governs the village of Kizan al-Najjar in the Khan Yunis Governorate of the Gaza Strip. The CSF, led by Husam al-Astal, had emerged in August 2025 as a rival to Hamas amid the Gaza war and the associated societal breakdown in the Gaza Strip.[2]
History
[edit]CSF control over Kizan al-Najjar was first announced in September 2025, with al-Astal referring to the area as a "humanitarian zone" for which he was responsible.[1] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly evacuated the village and transferred it to al-Astal's control.[3] Kizan al-Najjar had been depopulated due to the war, but displaced Gazans invited by al-Astal began resettling the village.[4]
The CSF has been able to deploy its fighters outside of its territory, as shown by its intervention during the Hamas raid in Khan Yunis on 3 October.[5]
With the implementation of the 10 October ceasefire in Gaza, al-Astal says the CSF territory now lies along the new frontline that the IDF pulled back to, though its troops remain nearby.[6]
Population and society
[edit]Al-Astal says the civilian population in Kizan al-Najjar consists of around 30 families[7] fleeing from Hamas, and is growing.[4]
According to a CSF video published online, Kizan al-Najjar boasts brightly lit buildings, a rarity in the Gaza Strip due to Israel cutting power to the territory during the war. Al-Astal claims solar panels are used in the village and that he expects Israel to provide direct electricity and water.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Yohanan, Nurit (2025-09-18). "Armed group claims to set up area in Khan Younis for Gazans seeking alternative to Hamas rule". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ^ Truzman, Joe (2025-09-19). "New anti-Hamas militia emerges in Gaza". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ^ Halabi, Einav (2025-10-12). "Gaza militia commander tells ynet: 'Hamas is weak — it's only a matter of time until it falls'". Ynetglobal. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ^ a b c Yohanan, Nurit (2025-09-22). "In southern Gaza, new anti-Hamas enclave emerges under militia claiming Israeli backing". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ^ Fabian, Emanuel; Yohanan, Nurit (2025-10-03). "Israeli airstrikes thwart Hamas attack on rival armed Gazan group in Strip's south". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2025-10-03.
- ^ "Hamas reappears on Gaza's streets, and two of three militias that fought it go quiet". The Times of Israel. 2025-10-12. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
- ^ Merwe, Ben van der; Doak, Sam; Data; Unit, Forensics; Alkhaldi, Celine; producer, Middle East. "Revealed: The plan for a 'New Gaza' - and the four militias Israel is backing to defeat Hamas". Sky News. Retrieved 2025-10-30.
