According to Gaza Now, along with the executions, 17 others were reportedly shot in the feet as punishment for allegedly collaborating with the "Zionist occupation" and for accusations of exploiting the suffering in Gaza by engaging in price gouging and stealing humanitarian aid. Disturbing footage shared on Telegram, though later deleted, showed Hamas gunmen firing at the men lying on the ground, with the video captioned: "The moment of punishing the agents of the Zionist occupation who caused the killing of thousands of our Palestinian people in Gaza."
This mass execution is part of Hamas’s broader strategy to reassert its authority in Gaza after suffering significant losses during the 15-month conflict. Following the ceasefire on Sunday, Hamas paraded through Gaza's streets in white pickups, armed and showing off their presence. This move aims to reinforce their control in the region despite ongoing heavy losses.
The full toll of Hamas casualties since Israel’s defensive operations began after the October 7, 2023, attacks remains unclear. These attacks, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israeli civilians, prompted Israel’s military response. According to U.S. Congressional sources, however, Hamas has reportedly been successful in recruiting new operatives, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 new recruits in the past year alone. Combined with forces from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas and its allies now control an estimated 20,000 to 23,000 fighters in Gaza.
Despite the growing numbers, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon has downplayed the threat posed by these recruits, pointing out that many are young and lack proper training. He emphasized that while they may be able to incite hatred against Israel, they lack the equipment and skills needed to mount a significant military threat.
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