Graphic executions in Gaza surface amid Hamas consolidation
A new, verified video from Gaza City has emerged showing what appears to be Hamas fighters carrying out executions in a public setting. The clip, which ABC NEWS Verify confirm-ed as authentic, shows several men forced to kneel in the Sabra neighbourhood while masked gunmen, some with green headbands linked to Hamas’s military wing, fire at them. The violence appears to have been carried out in front of a gathering crowd, signaling a message of control aimed at rival groups within the city.
The Telegram channel linked to Hamas-affiliated circles claimed the acts were “death sentences against a number of collaborators and lawbreakers in the city of Gaza.” But the footage has reignited debate about the group’s governance methods as it seeks to reassert authority over local clans, militias, and gangs in a volatile post-ceasefire environment.
International and local observers frame the incident as part of a broader pattern: Hamas’s attempts to establish order in areas where informal security networks—some with who-senior ties to Israel or other actors—have long kept different neighbourhoods in check. Critics warn that extrajudicial actions, even amid fear of crime or looting, risk innocent lives and undermine any prospects for due process in Gaza’s crowded streets.
Who are the “clans” and why do they matter?
In Gaza, the term clan refers to extended families that wield considerable influence in business, security, and social life. Analysts note that some clans—like the Doghmosh and the Helles, among others in Sabra—have histories of friction with Hamas. The violent friction among these families and armed groups has, at times, spilled into open clashes and property destruction, complicating relief efforts and the flow of aid to civilians.
Palestinian political scientist Abdalhadi Alijla explains that Hamas’s strategy involves leveraging its security apparatus to “put these clans in their place,” framing its actions as maintaining order. Yet, aid with allegations of misappropriation and theft by rival groups has fuelled resentment and provided ammunition for Hamas to justify crackdowns as necessary to protect the broader community.
Context: ceasefires, security, and the risk of escalation
The violence comes as Hamas seeks to reassert control after Israel’s withdrawal from certain areas of Gaza under a recent ceasefire framework. Observers say the group’s security forces are being recalled or reorganized to manage competing street-level power structures, signalling an intent to normalize governance and deter further clashes. While some officials, including the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, condemn killings labeled as extrajudicial, others argue the absence of formal courts complicates the legal framing of such actions.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on a press call that these actions might curb gang violence, but experts caution that extrajudicial executions risk indiscriminate harm and could inflame further cycles of violence. Political analyst Alijla notes that Hamas “will not disarm” quickly, and even if a ceasefire holds, real consolidation will take weeks and may require ongoing security operations, settlements, and negotiations with multiple factions inside Gaza.
What this means for civilians
For residents of Gaza, the most immediate concern is safety. Instances of public punishment, even when executed under a claimed legal mandate, erode trust in the rule of law and deepen fear among ordinary people who rely on stable governance for access to aid, electricity, and healthcare. Humanitarian concerns persist as aid distribution networks face pressure from competing armed actors and obstructive security measures.
As Hamas attempts to stabilize control, the international community watches closely for a path toward a durable ceasefire, predictable governance, and accountability for violence. The reality on the ground remains fragile: a conflict-weary population navigating the consequences of power struggles among armed groups, clans, and the occupying dynamics that have defined Gaza for years.
Conclusion
The newly surfaced footage underscores the volatile equation in Gaza: authority is being contested not only by external actors but within the fabric of local communities themselves. Hamas’s ability to maintain order—without sacrificing civilians’ rights or triggering broader retaliations—will likely shape the next phase of Gaza’s complex political landscape.
