 "Hamas terrorists arrive in a pick-up truck to the site of the hand over of hostage Agam Beger to the Red Cross at the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City, Thursday Jan. 30, 2025. AP File")
Hamas has launched a wave of brutal violence in Gaza, seeking to tighten its grip on power. The Palestinian militant group has begun executing members of rival militias for allegedly collaborating with Israel, according to multiple reports.
This comes as Palestinians were hoping peace would return to Gaza after the ceasefire with Israel. The actions followed shortly after US President Donald Trump said Hamas could take charge of internal security in Gaza.
Reports of public executions
According to a Shafaq News report, at least eight people were shot dead by Hamas’ firing squad in what appeared to be a semi-public execution. Ynet reported that more than 50 members of rival groups have been killed overall.
Hamas is reasserting control over areas of Gaza not occupied by Israeli forces as the ceasefire takes effect, though uncertainty remains about who will maintain security if the group is disarmed.
Hamas patrols streets, arrests ‘collaborators’
Hamas’ internal security forces were seen patrolling the streets of Gaza City on Saturday, amid reports of clashes with clans opposing the group’s rule.
“A number of collaborators and informants were apprehended and arrested in Gaza City, after it was proven that they were involved in spying for the enemy, as well as participating in the assassination of several resistance members,” said the Palestinian Home Front, a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel.
“The security services and the resistance are conducting a wide-scale field campaign across all areas of the Gaza Strip, from north to south, to locate and arrest collaborators and informants,” it added.
Videos shared by Hamas-linked Telegram channels appeared to show an alleged collaborator being beaten at an undisclosed location. Other clips showed armed and masked Hamas personnel patrolling a market in Gaza City, while the Hamas-run interior ministry released photos of officers wearing “police” caps and carrying rifles as they interacted with residents.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsFear and repression amid Hamas’ control
Hamas has long maintained an iron grip over Gaza, even during the war. CNN previously reported on the group executing or maiming suspected looters — a sign of its continuing authority despite Israeli pressure.
The Hamas-controlled interior ministry has announced a week-long amnesty starting Monday for members of criminal gangs “not involved in bloodshed or killings.”
However, its control has faced increasing resistance from powerful clans, particularly in southern Gaza, some of which are reportedly under Israeli military protection.
Clashes with powerful clans
Hamas-linked media reported clashes in the Sabra area of Gaza City between a prominent family and security forces, during which Muhammad Imad Aql — the son of a senior Hamas military commander — was killed.
Videos circulating on social media showed masked Hamas security personnel carrying out executions, with victims blindfolded and bound. Hamas claimed those executed were involved in criminal activity and had cooperated with Israel during the two-year conflict that devastated Gaza.
The crackdown triggered fierce clashes with rival factions, including the powerful Doghmush clan, one of Gaza’s best-armed groups.
Dozens killed in Doghmush clan fighting
According to Ynet, 52 members of the Doghmush clan were killed in fighting with Hamas forces. Twelve Hamas fighters also died, including the son of senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim.
Witnesses said Hamas gunmen used ambulances to enter the clan’s neighbourhood, a tactic widely condemned for putting civilians at risk.
The Doghmush clan has long been at odds with Hamas and is accused by the group of receiving aid from Israel.
Israeli officials have reportedly provided limited weapons and support to some Gaza militias in recent months, including one led by Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah. Hamas said it has killed one of Abu Shabab’s close associates and is now hunting him.
Analysts: ‘Hamas settling scores’
Analysts say the latest violence is Hamas’ way of sending a message. The Washington Free Beacon reported that the attackers were members of Hamas’ Arrow Unit, known for its harsh crackdowns on dissent.
Researcher Joe Truzman from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said the group was “settling scores” after resurfacing from hiding.
“After two years of war, its fighters have crawled out of their tunnels to confront those who opposed them,” said analyst Ahmad Sharawi. “Clans and militias have challenged Hamas’ rule and its decision to bring ruin to Gaza. But Hamas clearly plans to keep its weapons — an issue that must be addressed when disarmament talks begin.”
Fear of further instability
Residents in Gaza fear the latest violence could trigger revenge attacks and further destabilise the region.
The executions and clashes came just days after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, which included the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The deal, part of a broader US-backed peace plan, calls for Hamas to disarm and give up governance of Gaza — a condition the group has refused.
Instead, Hamas has proposed transferring administrative control to local Palestinian forces while rejecting any foreign military role.
Hamas leaders have vowed to prevent a “security vacuum” in Gaza, but Israel insists the group must fully disarm before any lasting peace can take hold. Israeli troops remain stationed in parts of Rafah, northern Gaza, and along the border — a sticking point for Hamas, which demands a complete withdrawal.