Hamas Executes Three Alleged Israeli Collaborators in Gaza Amid International Recognition Moves

Hamas publicly executed three men in Gaza City accused of collaborating with Israel, with videos showing the blindfolded and bound men being shot in front of large crowds including children, while supporters chanted pro-Hamas slogans. The executions, which Hamas claims are efforts to deter collaborators and maintain internal discipline, were accompanied by a message threatening all alleged mercenaries. These killings occurred shortly after Australia, Britain, and Canada recognized a Palestinian state, a move that Hamas called significant but insisted must be followed by concrete actions such as ending the war and halting Israeli settlements. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the recognition, emphasizing the need for peace and a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the recognition as rewarding terrorism. Hamas no longer recognizes Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas’s authority, who had imposed a moratorium on executions, and carries out death penalties independently in Gaza. The Israeli military has increased its operations in Gaza City alongside warnings that Hamas is exploiting civilians to prolong the conflict.