Israeli-backed forces patrol Rafah, Philidelphi Corridor

Convoys of the Israeli-backed Palestinian armed group known as the Popular Forces have been seen patrolling parts of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, including along the sensitive Philidelphi Corridor near Israeli military bases. This confirms their continued presence well outside their officially controlled zones, operating under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces. The Popular Forces, which numbers between 500 and 700 Palestinian fighters, is funded by Israel to help combat Hamas and other pro-Hamas armed groups. The group is reported to operate in both the southern and northern regions of Gaza.