Pakistan, June 6 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly admitted that Israel supported armed local groups in Gaza to weaken Hamas. He confirmed that the government activated powerful family factions inside the blockaded territory following advice from security officials.

Netanyahu's admission follows earlier accusations from former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who criticized the secretive strategy. One such group, the Popular Forces led by Rafah clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab, reportedly works with Israeli-backed aid centers run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

The GHF, a US-backed aid group, recently suspended its operations after deadly violence erupted at its distribution sites. Israeli forces opened ...