GAZA CITY: Hamas gunmen publicly executed three Palestinians on Sunday, accusing them of collaborating with Israel, amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza City.
The executions took place outside Shifa Hospital, a focal point of Israel’s ground offensive. Masked militants shot the blindfolded men multiple times as a crowd looked on and cheered. Before the killings, one gunman declared: “The death sentence has been decided for all collaborators.” Handwritten notes left on the bodies read: “Your betrayal will not pass without punishment. A harsh punishment awaits.”
Hamas’ interior ministry described the executed men as a “group of outlaws.” A Palestinian security official told Reuters the killings were carried out under the authority of the “Joint Operations Room of the Palestinian resistance,” an umbrella for armed groups including Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and the Mujahideen Brigades.
Among those executed was Yasser Abu Shabab, accused of being a “major collaborator.” He allegedly led a clan in Rafah armed by Israel and opposed to Hamas. Abu Shabab, however, denied Israeli support, according to the BBC.
This latest incident follows earlier Hamas reprisals: in May, six Palestinians were executed for allegedly looting aid, while 13 others were shot in the legs.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City, saying it aims to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure, eliminate thousands of fighters, and free hostages. The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 65,000 people in Gaza have been killed since then.
