To restore order: Hamas conducts public executions in Gaza as it reasserts control
Disturbing footage circulating online shows Hamas gunmen executing seven men in a Gaza City square. The video shows terrorists dragging the seven men -- their hands tied behind their backs -- into a square, forcing them to their knees and shooting them from behind as dozens of bystanders watched from nearby shops.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, Hamas terrorists carried out public executions in Gaza on Monday, just hours after the accord was brokered by US President Donald Trump. Visuals of the horrific incident has gone viral on social media.
Disturbing footage circulating online shows Hamas gunmen executing seven men in a Gaza City square. The video shows terrorists dragging the seven men -- their hands tied behind their backs -- into a square, forcing them to their knees and shooting them from behind as dozens of bystanders watched from nearby shops.
A Hamas source told Reuters that the executions took place on Monday and that the men were accused of "collaborating with Israel". The source added that the action was meant to "restore order" in the enclave following weeks of unrest and looting.
Renewed concerns in Gaza
The executions come at a delicate moment, just a day after Hamas and Israel agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire, which includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
According to reports, the plan allows Hamas to temporarily maintain limited administrative control in Gaza until a multinational peacekeeping force takes over under Phase Two of the accord.
While Israeli officials have refrained from commenting publicly, they have previously insisted that any final settlement must include Hamas's complete disarmament.
Return of Hamas to Gaza's streets
Residents of Gaza told Reuters that Hamas fighters have become increasingly visible since the ceasefire took effect, manning roadblocks and patrolling key routes. Dozens of people were killed in clashes between Hamas fighters and rival groups in recent days.
"Hamas will tolerate no further violations of order in Gaza," a Hamas official told Reuters, adding that the group had launched a campaign targeting "collaborators, armed looters, and drug traffickers".
Despite suffering heavy losses during two years of Israeli bombardment and ground incursions, Hamas has been reasserting control over the enclave since the ceasefire came into force.
The group has also deployed hundreds of workers to clear rubble, reopen key access routes, and repair damaged water pipelines.