Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a shocking escalation of violence, Hamas has released a video showing the public execution of eight men accused of collaborating with Israel, as the militant group tightens its control over the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. The disturbing footage, posted on Hamas’s official media channel, shows the blindfolded and kneeling men being shot in the street, with Hamas branding them as “collaborators and outlaws.”

The executions mark a major turning point in Gaza’s fragile truce, just days after the group released its last surviving Israeli hostages. The United States, meanwhile, has warned Hamas to disarm or face forced disarmament under a new plan introduced by President Donald Trump.

Hamas Tightens Control Over Gaza

On Tuesday, Hamas security forces began an aggressive operation across Gaza, targeting those accused of working with Israel or opposing the group’s authority. The move comes as the region struggles to recover from months of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Witnesses in Gaza reported gunfire, explosions, and mass arrests as Hamas security units clashed with armed Palestinian clans. The fighting was particularly intense in the Shujaiya neighborhood, near the so-called Yellow Line, where Israeli forces still control parts of the territory.

“For hours this morning, we heard nonstop gunfire and explosions,” said one local resident named Mohammed. “The security forces arrested several suspects. People support this because they believe it will bring stability.”

Another witness, Yahya, said the ongoing operations were part of Hamas’s effort to “eliminate collaborators.” Many residents said the crackdown was being carried out by a new Hamas security branch known as the “Deterrence Force,” which was created to maintain internal order.

A Hamas official stated, “Our message is clear: there will be no place for traitors or anyone who threatens the safety of our citizens.”

Hamas and Israel’s Tense Truce

The executions come amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States. The ceasefire, now in its fifth day, has seen the release of several Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of others who died in captivity.

According to the Israeli military, the remains of four additional hostages were brought back to Israel on Tuesday. The day before, Hamas handed over four bodies and freed the last 20 living hostages under the ceasefire agreement.

Despite the temporary calm, tensions remain high. Israel has made it clear that Hamas will have no role in Gaza’s future government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the next phase must include the “complete demilitarisation and disarmament of Hamas.”

Speaking in an interview, Netanyahu explained, “Hamas must surrender its weapons. There should be no more weapons factories or smuggling into Gaza. This is what demilitarisation means.”

Trump’s Strong Warning to Hamas

US President Donald Trump has announced a 20-point peace plan that aims to rebuild Gaza while ensuring Hamas is fully disarmed. Under the plan, any Hamas members who voluntarily surrender their weapons will be granted amnesty.

“If they don’t disarm, we will disarm them,” Trump warned during a press briefing at the White House. “And it will happen quickly, and perhaps violently.”

The plan, endorsed by several world leaders at a summit in Egypt chaired by Trump, states that Gaza will be demilitarised and that Hamas leaders will not have any role in its future governance.

Life Slowly Returning to Gaza

Despite the chaos and fear caused by the recent executions, some Palestinians say the return of Hamas police patrols has brought a sense of order after months of destruction.

“After the war ended and we saw police back in the streets, we started to feel safer,” said 34-year-old Abu Fadi Al-Banna from Deir al-Balah. “At least someone is trying to control the situation.”

Another resident, Hamdiya Shammiya, who fled northern Gaza to seek refuge in Khan Yunis, expressed relief. “Thank God the fighting is over. For the first time in months, we can finally breathe,” she said.

Hostage Families Seek Closure

While Gaza tries to rebuild, families in Israel are mourning the loss of loved ones whose bodies have been returned from Gaza. Among the dead were Guy Iluz, an Israeli citizen, and Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student studying agriculture in Israel.

The Families Forum, a group advocating for hostage release, also identified two others: Yossi Sharabi and Daniel Peretz, an Israeli army officer.

“Now we can finally bring closure to this nightmare and give Yossi the dignified burial he deserves,” said Sharabi’s wife, Nira.

In Tel Aviv, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the return of living hostages and to demand the return of the remaining bodies. “I didn’t think we’d see this day,” said demonstrator Barak Cohen. “But even now, we still face the pain of those who never made it home.”

A Region on Edge

Hamas’s crackdown has deepened the uncertainty surrounding Gaza’s future. Analysts warn that the executions could signal a broader power struggle within the Palestinian territories. As Hamas attempts to rebuild its rule, international pressure for peace and disarmament continues to mount.

For now, Gaza’s people remain caught between hope for stability and fear of what may come next.

#Global