Israeli media said Shabab, the leader of militia groups collaborating with Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, had been killed in an ambush, with several fellow collaboraters, carried out by fighters from the Al Qassam Brigades.

Abu Shabab was long accused of playing a central role in efforts to destabilise communities in the east of Rafah. He was said to have assisted the occupation in influencing local dynamics, recruiting young men, and creating conditions favourable to Israeli military objectives. According to local accounts, Abu Shabab oversaw operations to track Palestinian fighters and was involved in kidnappings, assassinations, and the targeting of individuals through drone surveillance.

He was also reported to have coordinated raids alongside Israeli special units and had facilitated the entry of security delegations into areas under his control.