Hamas operatives in Gaza have been conducting public executions of perceived foes in a bid to regain control following a recent ceasefire with Israel. In a disturbing video, gunmen are seen shooting eight blindfolded men kneeling before a jeering crowd, accused of collaborating with Israel by Hamas militants. Amid a power struggle between Hamas and rival factions, numerous deaths have occurred since last weekend, with conflicting reports downplayed by Donald Trump.
The Palestinian Authority, governing the West Bank, denounced the executions as “heinous crimes” and called for the restoration of legitimate Palestinian leadership to prevent further turmoil in Gaza. Despite Hamas’s previous dominance in Gaza, local families and armed groups seized opportunities during Israel’s extended bombardment, with some accused of exploiting aid for personal gain, exacerbating the region’s hunger crisis.
Recent clashes involved Hamas fighters battling an armed group linked to the influential Doghmush family, triggered by the killing of a Hamas militant named Mohammed Aqel. Families of the victims described abductions, robberies, and killings, prompting condemnations from both sides. The Doghmush family initially disowned the gang’s actions but later criticized Hamas’s executions as excessive.
Hamas’s security force Radaa announced a widespread security operation targeting individuals collaborating with Israel or aiding such individuals. The executions were purportedly carried out after legal procedures, focused on security-related offenses, according to a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Hamas adhere to the ceasefire agreement and return all deceased hostages’ bodies still in Gaza.
Four bodies were surrendered by Hamas following Israeli pressure to avoid aid cuts, although the IDF disputed the identity of one body. Netanyahu vowed to persist until all bodies are returned.
