Hamas Desperate to Reassert control, Executes 33 Over Alleged Ties with Israel

Darwin, 15 October

Following the recent ceasefire, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has launched a harsh campaign to reassert its control over the Gaza Strip, executing at least 33 people accused of collaborating with Israel, according to a report by Reuters.

The executions reportedly began after the ceasefire took effect last Friday. Hamas forces have been conducting raids against rival groups and individuals who were allegedly challenging its authority. “Hamas is determined to eliminate anyone threatening its rule,” a Gaza security official told Reuters.

The move marks a sharp escalation in internal tensions within Gaza. Since the devastating Israeli offensive that began on October 7, 2023, Hamas has been trying to regroup and reestablish its presence in the streets. However, the group remains wary that the fragile calm could collapse at any time.

During the latest clashes, six Hamas fighters were also killed. Authorities have not released the identities of those executed, nor confirmed whether they were indeed cooperating with Israel.

In the Rafah region, Hamas has reportedly intensified operations against anti-Hamas leader Yasser Abu Shabab. According to Gaza officials, one of Abu Shabab’s top aides has been killed, while the leader himself remains a target. Hamas accuses Abu Shabab of aiding Israel — an allegation he denies.

A video circulating on social media on Monday showed masked gunmen, some wearing Hamas-style green headbands, executing at least seven kneeling men in a Gaza street. Witnesses were heard shouting that the victims were “collaborators with Israel.”

Last month, Hamas-led authorities also executed three men convicted of working with Israel during the war.

Palestinian political analyst Reham Ouda believes Hamas’s latest actions aim to send a strong message to those accused of collaborating with Israel or undermining Gaza’s security during the conflict. “Hamas wants to instill fear and demonstrate that its security officials must have a central role in any future government,” Ouda said, adding that Israel is likely to reject such involvement.

The recent executions underscore Hamas’s efforts to consolidate power in the post-war Gaza landscape, even as humanitarian conditions remain dire and the political future of the enclave uncertain.