Before we begin, it is necessary to note that, as this update only occurred today, it is only available on the Google Earth "Pro" application, available on PC/Laptop, not on the web version.
Zoomed out image of Rafah City and the wider Rafah Governorate, dated February 24, 2026.
Photographs of the bases of 4 Anti-Hamas militias, them being the Popular Forces, Counter-Terror Strike Force, Free Homeland Forces, and the Martyr Khalil al-Wazir Battalion.
More Info on the militias from this thread, which covered each group:
Cleared/demolished zone in the Al Hashash area of Rafah, this was reportedly where "Green Rafah" was supposed to be set up, however work at the site has stopped since the joint U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran started.
Regavim Checkpoint, on the intersection of the Morag Corridor and the Salah Al Din Road, which Gazans needed to pass through before arriving at Rafah Crossing.
In recent weeks, these groups expanded beyond their usual areas, clashing with Hamas, entering new zones, and interacting openly with locals.
This thread aims to explain who they are, where they operate, and who leads them.
Popular Army - Northern Forces.
Established in September of 2025, by Ashraf al-Mansi. It is Headquartered at the Izbat Beit Hanoun Elementary School for Boys, on Al Awda Street.
Location: 31.547334, 34.518417
8G3PGGW9+W9 North Gaza Governorate, Gaza
Since April, videos posted by the Northern Army, with some being geolocated by @Arabosint show them operating beyond the yellow line in Atatra/Beit Lahia, mingling with locals, while distributing material/financial aid to them.
Summary:
- IDF re-enters Yaroun+Maroun El Ras
- IDF enters Taybeh
- Heavy demolition activity in Ayta al Shab and Rab El Thalathine
- IDF Controls most of Khiam
Since the last update, the IDF has taken control of most of Khiam, and Sentinel-2 imagery from @Soaratlas shows demolition activities in the eastern portions of the town.
The IDF has expanded its area of control heavily, taking control of Rab El Thalatine, Kfarkela, and Markaba.
Sentinel-2 📸 indicate they enter Taybeh for the first time.
A previous geolocation shows they were also active in the area near Houla.
Geo:
🧵Who are the current Anti-Hamas militias operating inside the Gaza strip?
This is an updated version of a similar thread written by @Arabosint a few months ago, after new developments.
So far, there are 5 militias, spread out throughout each governorate of the Gaza Strip.
Popular Forces
It was the first Major Anti-Hamas militia to appear, established during the IDF's Rafah Offensive, and is based in Al Bayuk, southern Rafah. (31.268407, 34.291348)
It has also conducted light operations in the southern Deir Al Balah area.
The following thread will be publicizing Gaza militants who were killed in the war. The process of identification will mainly be derived from the guide written by @MiddleEastBuka on combatant identification.
My focus will be primarily those on the GHM list available on Airwars.
Note that not all details will be 100% accurate. Any additions to the circumstances of a militant's death will be appreciated.
For those interested in researching how to identify these types of individuals, have a look at the quoted thread:
Abd al-Ftah Sameir Abd al-Ftah al-Tananei
عبد الفتاح سمير عبد الفتاح الطناني
🆔MoH ID: 400124202
⚠️Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine [PFLP] (Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades)