Hamas Reasserts Control in Gaza with Executions; Trump Issues Ultimatum

Hamas has reportedly executed eight men in public in Gaza as it seeks to consolidate power amid ongoing clashes with rival armed factions. The gruesome incident, filmed and shared widely on social media, shows blindfolded men being shot in a Gaza City street by Hamas operatives. These individuals were branded by Hamas as “collaborators and outlaws” with alleged ties to Israel, though substantiation is lacking. Human rights advocates have strongly condemned the extrajudicial killings, calling for an immediate cessation of such violence. This move by Hamas comes as it intensifies its efforts to establish dominance in Gaza following Israel’s military withdrawal. The group has been in conflict with local armed clans and family groups that had reportedly been involved in hijacking humanitarian aid and exacerbating the territory’s humanitarian crisis. Hamas security forces have resumed operations to quell these rival factions and restore order. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has commented on the situation, acknowledging the need to address “very bad” armed elements but emphasizing that Hamas must disarm. He issued a direct warning: “They will disarm, and if they don’t, we will disarm them.” The fragile peace agreement, facilitated by the U.S. and leading to the release of Israeli hostages, is now under severe strain. Israel has reduced humanitarian aid to Gaza by 50%, demanding the repatriation of deceased hostages’ remains. The UN has urged for the continuation of the ceasefire and humanitarian support. The escalating internal tensions and violent power plays in Gaza underscore the region’s deep-seated instability and threaten to derail ongoing peace efforts.