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Counter-Terrorism Strike Force administration in the Gaza Strip
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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]
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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.[3] Kizan al-Najjar had been depopulated due to the war, but displaced Gazans invited by al-Astal began resettling the village.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6]
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Population and society
Al-Astal says the civilian population in Kizan al-Najjar consists of around 30 families fleeing from Hamas, and is growing.[7][4]
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.[4]
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See also
References
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