Hamas planning public executions in Gaza Strip

Authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip are planning to carry out a series of public executions, the attorney general in the Palestinian enclave says.

Islamist movement Hamas has carried out previous executions in Gaza, although rarely in public and mainly of people accused of collaborating with Israel. Sunday’s announcement involved those convicted of criminal offences.

“Capital punishments will be implemented soon in Gaza,” attorney general Ismail Jaber tells journalists. “I ask that they take place before a large crowd.”

Thirteen men, most convicted of murder connected to robberies, are currently awaiting execution, Hamas official Khalil al-Haya said on Friday at the mainly weekly Muslim prayers.

“The victims’ families have the right to demand that the punishments be implemented,” he said.

— AFP