Hamas executions in Gaza after IDF withdrawal
The Islamist group Hamas carried out a series of public executions in the Gaza Strip shortly after Israeli forces withdrew from the main urban areas, citing a report from The Telegraph.
Online images show eight men, blindfolded and reportedly beaten, shot in front of a crowd.
International sources state the actions are part of a Hamas "retaliation" campaign as the group attempts to reassert control over the territory following the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), linked to the peace plan initiated by then-US president Donald Trump. The group is primarily targeting rival clans and militias that it considers close to Israel, such as the Dormush and Abu Samra families.
The US president confirmed Hamas received "temporary approval" to impose its authority in Gaza, stating the goal was to maintain order following the IDF withdrawal.
Although the ceasefire with Israel remains in effect, the disarmament of Hamas—the next stage of the peace plan—remains highly uncertain. Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have expressed concern that the Islamist movement will continue to hold influence in Gaza.
Earlier this week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it killed five Palestinians who had crossed the 'yellow line,' the security zone east of Gaza City. According to the IDF, the incident occurred after soldiers unsuccessfully attempted to warn them to retreat.
Israel currently controls about half of the Gaza Strip territory and is set to complete its full withdrawal after the Hamas group is disarmed.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
