The Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency are closely cooperating with armed Palestinian groups opposed to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to a Haaretz investigation citing Israeli soldiers and United Nations information.
The report said Israeli troops were assigned to escort one of the groups but later discovered that its members were allegedly involved in fighting, looting homes and forcibly removing residents.
Members of the group were also reportedly collecting drones suspected of being used for smuggling operations.
Haaretz identified five prominent armed factions operating near Israeli military positions and the so-called Yellow Line. According to the investigation, the groups receive Israeli protection and equipment.
Israeli military officials quoted in the report described the factions as a temporary solution rather than a credible alternative capable of governing Gaza.
Hamas, meanwhile, is demanding that the groups be dismantled as part of any future agreement involving the disarmament of armed factions in the territory.