Thread by @OnlinePalEng

Thread 🧵: What Was Censored in Sky News Arabic: UAE Backing of Gaza Militias

Sky News English recently published an investigation into "The New Gaza," a project led by Mohammed al-Astal and several armed militias in Gaza. The report explicitly mentions UAE backing some of these groups.

The English report also notes that the logos of al-Astal’s militias closely resemble those of other UAE-backed militias in Yemen, highlighting visual and operational similarities.

Who is al-Astal?
• Leader of multiple armed groups in Gaza
• Architect of the "New Gaza" project, aiming to govern independently of Hamas
• Wants a Gaza "at peace with everyone—no Hamas, no terrorism"
• Militias reportedly backed by some Arab countries, including the UAE

• Logos of his groups echo UAE-backed militias in Yemen
• Says vaguely about foreign support: "Soon you will see everything for yourselves."

When asked directly whether the UAE supported him, al-Astal smiled and said:
"God willing, soon you will see everything for yourselves. Yes, some Arab countries support our project."

The goal of "The New Gaza," according to al-Astal, is to establish a new administration in Gaza that is:
• At peace with everyone
• Free from Hamas influence
• Free from terrorism

Now here’s the crucial part: the Arabic version of Sky News completely omits any mention of the UAE.

Instead, the Arabic report vaguely states:
"Multiple sources told Sky News that the militias also receive support from external powers."
No countries are named, removing a critical piece of context.

It leaves one crucial question:
Why was this information removed?