Abu Shabab, leader of the Popular Forces in Rafah, asserts that the war in Gaza is effectively over in his area. His group, which describes itself as pragmatic rather than ideological, has taken control of eastern Rafah, where Israeli forces are present. The Popular Forces have organized armed patrols and claim to have restored essential services like shelter, food, water, and medical care. According to Abu Shabab, residents are now able to live without fear of attacks or coercion from either side.