GAZA CITY — Violent infighting has erupted across Gaza as Hamas battles rival groups, with one incident — captured in a disturbing video — showing masked gunmen executing several men in public. The footage, widely circulated on social media, has deepened concerns about security and lawlessness following Israel’s recent partial withdrawal from the territory.

The video, verified by CNN as filmed in Gaza City’s al-Sabra neighborhood, shows armed men wearing Hamas insignia forcing eight blindfolded detainees to kneel before shooting them as a crowd looks on. Though CNN could not confirm the exact timing, signs of war damage suggest the executions occurred recently, likely after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect.

The victims, all adult men, appear with hands tied and some stripped of clothing. The gunmen strike several before firing. The executioners can be heard cheering afterward.

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Condemnation and Denial

The executions drew swift condemnation from Palestinian and human rights groups.
A statement from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the killings “heinous crimes” and “a blatant violation of human rights.”

The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), Palestine’s official watchdog, labeled the act “a grave legal and moral offense demanding accountability.”

However, Hamas-aligned factions praised the operation, describing it as part of a “security campaign” against collaborators, criminals, and others accused of aiding Israel.

The Hamas-linked Radaa Security Force claimed responsibility, stating it had conducted “a precise operation” targeting “wanted individuals and outlaws.” It asserted that all executions followed “legal and judicial procedures,” a claim widely disputed by observers. No evidence was provided for the accusations of collaboration.

Radaa said it has taken control of several areas in Gaza City and carried out arrests of individuals accused of attacks on civilians or of working with Israel.

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Clashes With the Doghmush Clan

The violence follows days of fighting between Hamas militants and members of the powerful Doghmush family in Gaza City’s al-Sabra and Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods. Local reports suggest the clashes began after the son of a senior Hamas commander was killed.

According to the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, gun battles broke out shortly after the ceasefire began, leaving casualties on both sides. After several Doghmush family members were detained, the execution video began circulating online.

In response, the Doghmush family accused Hamas of carrying out “a campaign of killing, torture, and home burnings” against its members under false pretenses. The family said it lost hundreds of relatives in the war and insisted it has always refused Israeli attempts at collaboration. It claims at least 28 family members were killed by Hamas after being promised safe surrender.

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Political Fallout

The video’s release sparked international outrage. Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared the footage on social media, calling it proof that “Hamas must go.”

The controversy erupted just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to endorse Hamas taking temporary control of Gaza following the ceasefire he helped broker. “They do want to stop the problems,” Trump said when asked about the group’s policing role. “We gave them approval for a period of time.”

Israel has since renewed calls for Hamas’s complete disarmament as part of any long-term peace deal.