Hamas has carried out executions of people it accuses of stealing amid escalating chaos and the erosion of public order in Gaza, according to insiders.
This week saw a sharp uptick in violence, with reports of armed groups storming warehouses and kitchens distributing food. The surge in looting has underscored the weakening of governance in Gaza. Hamas has claimed—without presenting evidence—that some of those involved were cooperating with Israel. Israeli officials have not commented on these accusations.
According to the Hamas-controlled interior ministry, one of its police officers was killed and others injured during an Israeli drone strike that occurred while they were chasing “suspected criminals” in Gaza City. The ministry promised a firm response to any disorder, continuing to place responsibility on external forces for the unrest.
Hamas media office spokesperson Ismail Al-Thawabta confirmed that executions had taken place involving those accused of robbery. He added that certain individuals were, in his words, “supported by Israel,” a frequent claim by Hamas, though no proof was offered to support this assertion.
In an effort to reassert authority, Hamas has put nightly curfews in place and deployed a 5,000-strong unit focused on clamping down on lawbreakers and opposition elements. Still, their operations have faced setbacks from Israeli drone surveillance and strikes, especially when armed forces are on the move.
The deteriorating conditions come in the wake of Israel’s offensive following the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were murdered and more than 250 taken hostage. As negotiations have stalled over further hostage releases, Israel has halted aid deliveries and enforced a blockade, citing repeated abuse of humanitarian supplies by Hamas—an accusation the group denies.

{Matzav.com Israel}