Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Counter-Terrorism Strike Force administration in the Gaza Strip
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
The Counter-Terrorism Strike Force (CSF), a Palestinian anti-Hamas armed group, is based in and governs the village of Kizan al-Najjar in the Khan Yunis Governorate of the Gaza Strip. The CSF, led by Husam al-Astal, had emerged in August 2025 as a rival to Hamas amid the Gaza war and the associated societal breakdown in the Gaza Strip.[2] Al-Astal claims that the CSF is not interested in ruling the Gaza Strip and is instead seeking "to move the [Gazan] people from Hamas’s rule to civilian rule".[3]
Remove ads
History
CSF control over Kizan al-Najjar was first announced in September 2025, with al-Astal referring to the area as a "humanitarian zone" for which he was responsible.[1] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly evacuated the village and transferred it to al-Astal's control.[4] Kizan al-Najjar had been depopulated due to the war, but displaced Gazans invited by al-Astal began resettling the village.[5]
The CSF has been able to deploy its fighters outside of its territory, as shown by its intervention during the Hamas raid in Khan Yunis on 3 October.[6]
With the implementation of the 10 October ceasefire in Gaza, al-Astal says the CSF territory now lies along the new frontline that the IDF pulled back to, though its troops remain nearby.[7]
Remove ads
Population and society
Al-Astal says the civilian population in Kizan al-Najjar consists of "dozens of families" fleeing from Hamas, and is growing.[5]
According to a CSF video published online, Kizan al-Najjar boasts brightly lit buildings, a rarity in the Gaza Strip due to Israel cutting power to the territory during the war. Al-Astal claims solar panels are used in the village and that he expects Israel to provide direct electricity and water.[5]
Remove ads
See also
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads