Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza City

Gaza City, Sep 23: Hamas gunmen publicly executed three Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza on Sunday, amid a major Israeli ground offensive, reported the BBC.

Masked militants shot the blindfolded and kneeling victims multiple times while a crowd cheered. One gunman declared in Arabic, “The death sentence has been decided for all collaborators,” according to an English translation shared with The Telegraph by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis. Handwritten notes left on the bodies read: “Your betrayal will not pass without punishment. A harsh punishment awaits.”

Hamas’ Ministry of the Interior described the men as a “group of outlaws” collaborating with Israel. A Palestinian security official told Reuters that the executions were carried out by the Joint Operations Room of the Palestinian resistance, with armed groups including the Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad, and Mujahideen Brigades reportedly participating.

One of those executed, Yasser Abu Shabab, was identified as a “major collaborator,” leading a clan reportedly armed by Israel in Rafah. The clan positioned itself as opposing Hamas, though Abu Shabab denied receiving weapons from Israel.

The incident reflects a continuing pattern of violent reprisals by Hamas. In May, six Palestinians accused of looting humanitarian aid were executed, and another 13 were shot in the legs.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza City targeting Hamas infrastructure and fighters, with objectives including freeing hostages and neutralizing up to 3,000 militants in what the Israeli military calls Hamas’ “main stronghold.” Since the conflict began in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, at least 65,344 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.