Hamas operatives in Gaza have been conducting public executions of perceived foes in a bid to regain authority following a recent ceasefire with Israel. In a disturbing video, armed individuals are shown shooting eight blindfolded men kneeling on the ground, accused of collaborating with Israel. The death toll has risen in the power struggle between Hamas and rival factions, despite Donald Trump downplaying the situation.
The Palestinian Authority, governing the West Bank, has denounced the executions as “heinous crimes,” calling for the restoration of legitimate leadership in Gaza to prevent further chaos. Previously dominant in Gaza, Hamas faced challenges from local families and armed groups amid the void left by Israel’s past actions. Some groups are accused of misappropriating aid, exacerbating food shortages.
Recent clashes involved Hamas forces and a faction affiliated with the Doghmush family after the killing of a Hamas militant. Families have reported abductions, robberies, and killings by armed groups. The Doghmush family distanced itself from the perpetrators and condemned Hamas’ executions as unnecessarily brutal.
Hamas-affiliated security forces have launched a widespread operation targeting alleged collaborators with Israel and their supporters across Gaza. The executions were claimed to follow legal procedures, focusing on security-related offenses without detailed explanations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the return of all deceased hostages’ bodies as part of the ceasefire agreement, prompting Hamas to hand over some remains despite discrepancies identified by Israel. Netanyahu insists on the repatriation of all hostages’ bodies.