Hamas Must End Extrajudicial Executions in Gaza
Amnesty International calls on Hamas to stop extrajudicial executions and ensure justice for victims in the occupied Gaza Strip
The authorities and forces affiliated with Hamas in the occupied Gaza Strip must put an end to extrajudicial executions of suspected collaborators with Israel. According to Amnesty International, these executions are carried out in the absence of any judicial proceedings. In recent weeks, security officials in Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, publicly announced the summary execution of one man for collaborating with Israel and their intention to execute another informant within days.
Background
A June 2026 UN report identified 249 cases of extrajudicial executions and severe physical violence in Gaza between August 2024 and early 2026, at least 60 of which involved Hamas-affiliated forces. Amnesty International has investigated and documented nine extrajudicial executions and unlawful killings by Hamas-affiliated forces committed in the immediate aftermath of the announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October 2025.
Calls for Accountability
While Hamas officials have said that they have opened preliminary internal investigations into the incidents, to Amnesty International's knowledge none of those responsible for the killings have been held to account to date. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said that the Hamas authorities must immediately halt all unlawful killings, acts of vigilantism and arbitrary arrests. Those responsible for ordering and carrying out extrajudicial executions as well as arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment must be held accountable.
Extrajudicial Executions
The following table summarizes some of the extrajudicial executions documented by Amnesty International:
| Date | Number of Executions | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | 1 | Gaza City |
| October 2025 | 8 | Al-Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City |
| October 2025 | 1 | Al-Bureij refugee camp |
According to Amnesty International, these executions were carried out by Hamas-affiliated forces, and in some cases, the victims were accused of collaborating with Israel.
Conclusion
Amnesty International has called on Hamas to ensure truth and justice for victims and their families. The organization has also called on the international community to take action to prevent further human rights violations in the occupied Gaza Strip. As Erika Guevara-Rosas said, unlawful killings can never be justified, and the rights to life, freedom from torture and a fair trial and due process must be respected at all times.
