Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted for the first time that Israel supported armed local groups in Gaza to help weaken Hamas, confirming reports of Israeli-backed Palestinian clans operating inside the besieged enclave.

In a video message posted on social media on Thursday, Netanyahu said the government had “activated” powerful family-based factions in Gaza, following advice from security officials.

His comments follow public accusations by former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who earlier criticised the secretive strategy.

An Israeli official quoted by the Associated Press identified one such group as the Popular Forces, led by Rafah clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab.

The group has been linked to Israeli-supported aid distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitari

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