Harakat al-Sabireen

Harakat al-Sabireen (HaS) is an Iranian-backed Shia group which has operated in the Gaza Strip since 2014. Although founded in Gaza, it also operates in the West Bank. HaS espouses an ideology which rejects a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and calls for the destruction of Israel. HaS adopts Iran’s sectarian approach of Islamic ideology in the area, and is reported to have strong, direct ties to Iran. HaS’ aims as of 2015 were to establish a powerful, Hizballah-style proxy for Iran in Gaza, which would serve as a strong reminder to Hamas that Iran has alternatives. HaS has fired rockets into Israel and targeted Israeli army patrols using explosive devices. Members of HaS have claimed they fight against Israel alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Iran’s Qods Force, assisted by the Palestinian Operations department of Hizballah, has financed and provided media exposure to HaS. Since 2019, HaS reportedly has not been operational, bowing to earlier pressure from Hamas in the area.