Masked Hamas Fighters Execute Men in Gaza City Amidst Power Struggle with Rivals

Amidst ongoing violence in Gaza, masked Hamas fighters executed several individuals, further intensifying a power struggle in the region. This shocking incident highlights Hamas’s attempts to reassert its authority following the recent ceasefire with Israel.

Public Execution in Gaza City

Reports emerged of a brutal public execution carried out by Hamas-affiliated fighters in the al Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. Eyewitness accounts describe eight blindfolded men being killed in front of a crowd. Evidence suggests the event occurred shortly after the ceasefire came into effect.

Details of the Incident

The video depicting the execution showcases grim scenes of detainees being dragged into a public square, with their hands tied. Some captives were barefoot and partially stripped, while masked fighters cheered after the killings. This event has raised serious concerns regarding human rights violations in the area.

Condemnation and Reactions

• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas labeled the killings as “heinous crimes.”
• The Independent Commission for Human Rights condemned the executions as “grave legal and moral crimes.”
• The Doghmush Family, involved in the incident, described the actions as a brutal campaign against them, resulting in multiple deaths among their members.

The family stated they have lost around 600 members since the onset of the conflict and condemned the violent suppression targeting them.

Claims of Legitimacy

In response to the backlash, Radaa, the Hamas-affiliated security force, claimed the executions followed legal procedures, although this assertion remains widely disputed. They stated that the executed individuals were accused of collaboration with Israel and engaging in criminal activities.

• Radaa stated it had undertaken extensive security operations across Gaza to maintain order.
• The group claimed to have apprehended various individuals accused of collaborating with rival factions and engaging in violence.

Escalation of Clashes

The rise in violence reportedly began following the death of a Hamas military commander’s son, leading to clashes between Hamas and the influential Doghmush family. This confrontation highlighted existing tensions within Gaza’s factions.

The Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights detailed that armed clashes occurred in several neighborhoods, resulting in casualties for both sides. The exact circumstances surrounding the individuals portrayed in the execution video remain unclear.

Conclusion

The executions by Hamas fighters underscore the fragile security environment in Gaza as rival factions vie for power. This episode has highlighted significant concerns over human rights and governance in the territory.

As discussions about disarming Hamas continue, the situation remains volatile, with implications for the future of Gaza’s leadership and civilian safety.