Hamas Executes Eight Gazans in Public as Power Struggle Deepens
In a shocking display of force, Hamas reportedly executed eight men in Gaza City on Monday evening, seeking to reestablish dominance over the territory following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The executions come amid US President Donald Trump’s strong warning to the militant group to lay down its arms or face swift American action.
According to witnesses and videos circulating on social media, the eight victims — identified by Hamas as “collaborators and outlaws” — were blindfolded, beaten, and then shot dead in public. Gunmen wearing Hamas’ trademark green headbands carried out the killings as hundreds of onlookers gathered, chanting “Allahu Akbar.” The chilling footage has sparked global outrage, though major media outlets have refrained from publishing it due to its graphic nature.
Hamas issued a statement accusing the victims of working with Israel and participating in violent crimes against civilians. However, no evidence was presented to substantiate these claims. The executions, viewed by many as an attempt to restore fear and control, have reignited concerns about human rights abuses and internal chaos within the Gaza Strip.
🔵🚨 HORROR IN GAZA: Hours after ceasefire signing, Hamas executes 8 beaten, blindfolded men in streets👏👏👏shotdead bfore cheeringcrowds. Part of bloodycrackdown on rivals, killing33+amid Israeliwithdrawal. “Chldren screaming,houses burning..what did we do?”survivor tells Ynet. pic.twitter.com/bnzhpgfKvx
— Justice Frontil Equitas (@justicefrontil) October 14, 2025
Hamas Moves to Reassert Authority After Israeli Withdrawal
Following the recent Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawal from key parts of Gaza, Hamas has begun reestablishing its authority through aggressive measures against rival groups and family-based armed clans. Over the past year, these clans—many reportedly armed and financed by external actors—had filled the power vacuum left by Hamas’ retreat during Israel’s offensive.
The return of Hamas security forces to Gaza City’s streets marks a decisive shift in the post-war landscape. Masked police units, heavily armed and dressed in black, have resumed patrols, enforcing curfews and arresting suspected rival fighters. Local residents describe the atmosphere as tense but quieter than during months of intense fighting.
Nahed Sheheiber, head of Gaza’s private truckers union, told reporters that Hamas’ campaign targeted gangs accused of exploiting civilians. “Those groups looted aid and even killed people under Israeli occupation zones,” he said. “Many Gazans are relieved that someone is finally restoring order, even if it’s through violence.”
Still, analysts warn that Hamas’ show of force risks reigniting violence and undermining the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States. The crackdown could also threaten ongoing efforts to form an internationally supervised transitional authority for Gaza, a key component of Trump’s peace plan.
Trump Warns Hamas to Disarm or Face “Quick” Action
President Donald Trump, addressing the situation on Tuesday, condemned Hamas’ violent tactics while acknowledging that some of those executed may have been involved in organized crime. “They took out a couple of gangs that were very bad,” Trump said, adding, “That didn’t bother me much, to be honest.”
However, he reiterated his administration’s firm stance that Hamas must disarm completely. “They will disarm, and if they don’t do so, we will disarm them,” Trump warned. “It’ll happen quickly, and perhaps violently.” When pressed for details or a timeline, the president said only that it would occur within a “reasonable period.”
Trump’s plan, developed in coordination with Israeli and regional partners, envisions Hamas relinquishing power to an international body that would oversee reconstruction and governance in Gaza. While Hamas has indicated willingness to discuss a transfer of authority, it insists it will not allow “anarchy” during the process.
Ceasefire at Risk as Gaza’s Future Hangs in Balance
The escalating tension within Gaza now threatens to unravel the delicate ceasefire that has held since the last round of hostilities. Israel has maintained that its campaign will not end until Hamas is fully dismantled and disarmed.
The return of Hamas fighters to power centers, coupled with Trump’s ultimatum, has created a volatile environment. As the militant group tightens its grip on the streets and seeks to eliminate opposition, fears are growing that the enclave could slip back into violence before any political resolution takes shape.
For many Gazans, the immediate future remains uncertain — caught between the iron hand of Hamas’ internal crackdowns and the looming shadow of renewed conflict should international diplomacy fail.
