Hamas fighters publicly executed eight men in Gaza City on October 14, 2025, shortly after a ceasefire with Israel took effect, as the group sought to reassert control amid violent clashes with rival factions, sparking widespread condemnation and raising alarms about post-war security.
In a graphic video that circulated widely on social media, masked gunmen, some wearing green Hamas headbands, forced eight blindfolded men to their knees in the al Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City before shooting them in front of a crowd. The detainees, with hands tied behind their backs and some partially stripped, were dragged into a square where the executions took place, followed by cheers from the fighters. CNN verified the location but could not independently confirm the timing, though damage to buildings suggested it occurred recently, likely after the ceasefire began.
Hamas-affiliated security force Radaa claimed the operation targeted “wanted individuals and outlaws” accused of shootings, killing displaced persons, and collaborating with Israel, though it provided no evidence. This incident followed days of escalating violence between Hamas and the Doghmush family, a powerful clan, with reports indicating 52 clan members and 12 Hamas fighters, including the son of a senior official, killed in prior clashes. The Doghmush family denied collaboration and condemned the executions as a “heinous crime” against innocent members.
The Palestinian Authority presidency, led by Mahmoud Abbas, strongly condemned the killings as “blatant violations of human rights” and held Hamas responsible for harming Palestinian interests. Human rights groups, including the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, called for an investigation into what they described as “extrajudicial executions” and demanded accountability. The Israeli Foreign Ministry cited the footage as evidence of Hamas’s tyranny, arguing it rules through fear rather than compassion.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire, commented that he had approved Hamas to police Gaza “for a period of time” to ensure safety amid the return of nearly two million displaced Palestinians. However, he later emphasized that Hamas must disarm under his 20-point peace plan, threatening to “disarm them” if they fail to comply, highlighting tensions between short-term security and long-term demilitarization goals.
The executions underscore the challenges of establishing stable governance in Gaza, as Hamas moves aggressively to crush dissent and rival groups. This brutality risks undermining the fragile peace process, with residents fearing further violence and a potential resurgence of conflict if security deteriorates. The international community is closely monitoring whether Hamas will adhere to disarmament commitments or continue its assertive tactics.
Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile, with implications for regional stability and the success of diplomatic efforts. Sustained engagement will be crucial to prevent a slide back into widespread violence and to support a transition toward peaceful coexistence in Gaza.