Hamas has intensified its control over the devastated cities of Gaza, initiating a crackdown that includes the execution of individuals it labels as collaborators. This shift comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s commitment to disarm the group.
In a somber development, the Israeli military reported that the remains of four more hostages, previously held in Gaza, have been returned to Israel, following the handover of another four bodies by Hamas. This exchange coincides with the recently concluded release of the last surviving hostages during a US-brokered truce between Hamas and Israel.
A video released by Hamas depicted a stark scene: eight blindfolded individuals, deemed “collaborators and outlaws,” executed in public. This gruesome footage, believed to have been recorded on Monday, surfaced amid ongoing clashes between Hamas security forces and local armed clans, raising tensions during the truce.
As Israeli troops withdrew from Gaza City’s northern areas, Hamas police, clad in black masks, resumed street patrols. Following the arrival of freed prisoners from Israeli jails, armed members of Hamas’ Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades were seen providing crowd control at the scene.
Residents have reported intense clashes, particularly in the Shujaiya neighborhood, where a Hamas security unit, known as the “Deterrence Force,” has been actively pursuing armed groups allegedly backed by Israel. Eyewitness accounts detail hours of fighting and an atmosphere of fear, as gunfire and explosions echoed throughout the area while arrests were made.
A spokesperson for the Gaza security forces emphasized their commitment to rooting out those posing a threat to public safety. The message was clear: stability would be restored, and outlaws would not be tolerated.
Since its seizure of power from rival Fatah in 2007, Hamas has maintained its dominance in Gaza, but Israel remains adamant that Hamas should not have any future role in governance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated this stance, stating that the return of all hostages, living or deceased, and a complete disarmament of Hamas were critical prerequisites for any political resolution.
Trump’s recent 20-point plan for Gaza envisions disarmament for Hamas, offering amnesty to those willing to relinquish their weapons. The document, which received endorsement from various global leaders, also outlines the goal of demilitarizing Gaza.
Amid the rubble of their homes, many Palestinians are cautiously optimistic about the presence of armed militants, seeing them as a stabilizing force. Residents like Abu Fadi Al-Banna expressed relief at the return of security in the streets following the recent hostilities, while others echoed sentiments of gratitude as they attempted to rebuild their lives.
As the quest for stability continues among the residents, pressure mounts for the return of the remains of deceased hostages. The Israeli military confirmed the identification of several bodies, including that of Guy Iluz and Bipin Joshi, alongside others, further fueling demands from bereaved families for dignified burials.
In Tel Aviv, gatherings unfolded as citizens celebrated the return of living hostages while simultaneously calling for the recovery of the remains of those who did not survive. Public sentiments ranged from joy to anxiety, as the community grapples with the complexities of loss and hope for a more secure future.
