An anti-Hamas militia operating in Gaza has announced the capture of Hamas operatives allegedly plotting an assassination attempt against its leader, Hussam al-Astal. The group, led by al-Astal, a former Palestinian Authority officer, released video footage showing several bound and kneeling suspects under armed guard.

According to the militia, the arrests follow a period of escalating internal clashes, including the killing of a senior Hamas police chief on January 12, 2026. The video footage, taken in a dimly lit concrete room, depicts armed militia members pointing guns at the captured suspects in a manner consistent with interrogation or execution-style presentation, highlighting the brutal realities of factional infighting in Gaza.

The Counter-Terrorism Strike Force, the anti-Hamas militia responsible for the operation, stated that its priority is to neutralize threats against al-Astal and his command structure. The operation underscores ongoing tensions and violent rivalries between armed factions in Gaza, which continue to complicate security and governance in the region.

Observers note that internal Palestinian conflicts, particularly between Hamas and rival militias, have intensified over the past year, with targeted killings, arrests, and sporadic clashes contributing to instability. The release of video footage is consistent with recent patterns of publicizing operations to reinforce authority and send warnings to adversaries.